Prof V Lakshminarayanan (’06 – ‘83) • Quarterly BITSians: Ms. Punita Pandey & Dr. Reena Aggarwal

The BITSAA Edition

Sandpaper [2.0] Spring 2006 BITS Pilani, Alumni Magazine

BITSian Women You Go Girl!

Entrepreneurship • Business • Academia Community • Engineering • Creative Arts

Sandpaper [2.0] Spring 2006 Issue

CONTENTS 3 EDITORIAL 45 A Dream to Touch – A Short Story

FEATURES BUSINESS & STRATEGY 6 About Sandpaper 2.0 48 In conversation with Vivek Paul 7 Chitti Ayee Hai 54 Private Equity & Venture Capital – A Primer 7 NewsNews 10 Dilip’s Column – Heeding the call GENERAL INTEREST 57 CrossroadsCrossroads COVER STORY – BITSian Women 59 Prejudices in the workplace 12 Introduction 14 Entrepreneurs EDUCATION & ACADEMICS 17 Business Leaders 62 Myth busting the Indian MBA roulette 20 Academia 66 Prof. V.Lakshminarayanan (1906 – 1983) 22 Community & Public Service 23 Creative Arts THE QUARTERLY BITSIANS 25 Engineering & Technology 69 Punita Pandey, CEO, netCustomer 30 Prominent BITSian Women 72 Reena Aggarwal, Professor, Georgetown U.

NOSTALGIC NOTES RESEARCH & INNOVATION 32 Looking Bank 74 Conquest 2006 34 Aur ek, aur ek, and aur ek 75 Step into the future 76 Company Watch: Telesto Infotech NOTES FROM PILANI 35 APOGEE 2006 BITSIANS IN THE COMMUNITY 38 A conscious academic culture 77 PS-II at BITSunami 40 More On BITS, Pilani – Goa Campus ALUMNI CORNER & BITSAA Initiatives CREATIVE & HUMOR 80 BITSian Women Partyin’ around the world 42 Behind the scenes 81 Selected Classnotes 44 Of preferences in vain

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Editorial Another kind of celebration…

BITS Pilani is an exception to stereotypes and realities about women in engineering, technology and related fields. We know it to be an extremely progressive institution; A BITS press release of December 2005 established that our enrollment statistics indicate that girls opt for Engineering, Pharmacy and Management programs just as they for in Science programs. The Press Release further stated that low female enrollment in Engineering can be found at institutions even across the USA (with exceptions like MIT where women currently makeup 36 percent of all undergraduates). If this is the case in the United States, one would Anu and her family – flying high! expect a country such as India with a sliding sex ratio, instances of female feticide and worked very hard on about ‘half’ of this issue – women just making up 6 percent of the The Better Half! workforce, to have low levels of enrollment for higher education, particularly engineering. We interviewed women spanning multiple However, our Institution provides proof to the BITSian generations, attempting to discover contrary. what their experience at Pilani was like. We delved into their post-Pilani lives as well. We In addition to trends in the enrollment statistics walked down memory lane revisiting the joyous of women, we also wanted to critically assess and the sorrowful times that made up some of how BITSian women have fared over the years. the best days of our lives. We explored the What kind of professions are they in? What has biases women face in technology, the business the journey been like for them, both through their styles that contributed to women’s successes Pilani as well as beyond? and transitions of a different kind. There are many women in the non-profit sector. In fact, the Our cover story in this issue of Sandpaper first BITSian women who attended the first ever attempts to answer these questions and social services project by BITS Pilani, i.e. celebrate the achievements of BITSian women. BITSunami, has recounted her story in this It not only addresses our curiosity, but also issue. serves as an inspiration for us, for both women and men. It answers fundamental questions like Our Quarterly BITSians are two outstanding ‘how’ (have women achieved success) and women from the corporate and the academic ‘where’ (what companies) and ‘what’ (sectors – realms. Punita Pandey (EEE), an exemplary Engineering? Business? Non profits?) BITSian entrepreneur is the Chairman and CEO of women have pursued their interests. netCustomer, founded in 1999, which is a leading provider of advanced applications Furthermore, it only stands to reason that this support services. Her initial years at cover story would be authored by a team led by netCustomer were studied by Stanford the first Woman President of the BITS Student University as part of a case study, which is now Union, Aditi Pany. taught at various business schools.

For good measure and with Sandpaper’s affinity Dr. Reena Agarwal (MMS) is a Visiting for the humorous, we called the team that Professor of Finance, Sloan School of Management, MIT and Stallkamp Faculty Fellow

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Editorial

BITSian guys in making our Institution progressive. And, not, this is not merely to placate BITSian men who felt left out from this issue!

The BITSian Women’s Council (WOC) was established just six months back, like an inspiring Old Girls’ Club and it has burgeoned to over 300 members. We also did have one BITSian guy arguing gender discrimination, who tried to become a member. Very original!

That’s what makes BITS so special. An original bunch of people pursuing their eclectic Our daughters and sons - making the World a better place careers, chasing their dreams. and Professor of Finance, Georgetown In addition, another reason this issue has been University. She was named among the special for me is that this is Sandeep’s last issue “Outstanding Faculty” in the Business Week as Chief Editor. He has meant a great deal to Guide to the Best Business Schools. Through me, doubling up as somebody I’ve enjoyed her career, she has been Visiting Research working with, and somebody who’s become a Scholar at the IMF (2004, 2003), Fulbright friend for life. Scholar in Brazil and Chile, Academic Fellow at the US SEC (1997-1999), Consultant with the And for all of us, NASDAQ, UN, IMF, IFC, IDB, Credit Suisse etc. Oh you can sneak time, and you can dream time, Previous Sandpaper issues have focused on But just like some drummers different subjects (which is not to say, we leave we've had the often damaging experience of them stranded subsequently). To begin with, we working with - did feel that restricting ourselves to subjects like You just can't keep time. Entrepreneurship or Social Service or BITSians Yes, we’ve had the time of our lives! in Finance would be more neutral than focusing on women. I too was of the view initially, but this I can vouch for most BITSian women, ‘Yes, issue has indeed become a celebration of the we’ve had the time of our lives.’ Now let’s accomplishments of BITSian women who hail read about it. from one of the most progressive universities in India, BITS Pilani. Anuradha Sharma Gupta (’86 MMS) Guest Editor In the last issue, Buvana talked about how April 15, 2006 women can overcome constraints and return to work after a break. Success, part time work, constraints, joys, transitions, sabbaticals apart; adapting their styles and overcoming biases, or just being themselves, BITSian women have done us proud. Those we have talked about, and those we have not. Those we know about and those that we, unfortunately don’t.

Forget gender wars on campus. We have come a long way and cannot discount the role of

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About Sandpaper 2.0 SandpaperOnline http://www.bitsaa.org/sandpaper/sandpaper.html

BITSAA Newsletter BITSians IN ACADEMICS Every month we bring you a newsletter At last count, there with stories about BITS and BITSAA were 208 BITSian through the Yahoo! Groups. In case you alums teaching as miss an edition, you can visit the professors at Newsletter archives online and go through universities and issues and news that you may have research institutes missed out on. around the world. All details including Photo Galleries research, emails and phone Click on “Photo Galleries” on numbers are to be www.bitsaa.org and see photos of Pilani, found on the cartoons, artwork and books by BITSians, website. Contact as well as profiles of BITSians in business, these professors. academia and research. Start a dialogue!

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EDITORIAL BOARD Dilip D’Souza, Anuradha Gupta, Anupendra Sharma JOIN THE TEAM (Also includes *Chief Ed) CHIEF EDITOR Sandeep Mukherjee* Sandpaper 2.0 is created by a global team with members ASSOCIATE EDITORS Ashish Garg, Pushkala Venkataraman, Dileepan Narayanan spanning seven countries in four continents. It’s a great NEWSLETTER Dileepan Narayanan place to gain organizational GENERAL INTEREST Sandhya Krishnan leadership experience, BUSINESS & STRATEGY Prasenjit Chaudhari, Vignesh Shetty network with the alumni EDUCATION & ACADEMICS Vikas Chandra community and enhance COMMUNITY SERVICE Laxman Mohanty your writing skills.

CREATIVE & HUMOR Dileepan Nara Please send your articles, CLASS NOTES Suraj Srinivasan nominations for Quarterly PILANI TEAM Sukanya Vijayakumar (Team Lead), BITSian, letters to the Himabindu Chitta, Vernon Fernandez editor, feedback and TECHNOLOGY Anand Jayaram, Vivek Iyer requests to join the team THANKS Each and Every member of the BITSAA Women’s to: [email protected] Council, Anurup Mitra, Mukul Chawla. BITSAA International has been granted 501(c)3 tax- exempt status by the IRS, and is registered in New Jersey, USA.

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About Sandpaper 2.0 BITSAA SANDPAPER VISION

To read past issues visit the website: http://www.bitsaa.org/sandpaper/sandpaper.html

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FEATURES

Chitti Ayee Hai

KEEP IT UP, Home # 631 586 1579 professional outfit in Delhi. It might Cell # 631 988 0134 be of particular interest to other SANDPAPER! Email: [email protected] fellow BITSians who are eligible bachelors in or outside India or have Dear All BITSian START-UP children in that age group. It's just been 2 years for us and now we are Really appreciate your wonderful ON WEDDING working out funding for the next work along with your team for SERVICES growth phase. publishing Sandpaper. I always look forward to it. Hi All, Look forward to your comments.

Thanks a lot. I am from the 86A6 batch. I, along Regards, Regards, with my wife, am involved in something, which is definitely Rajesh Butta Navneet K Kothari different from any other profession 9810374836 (BITS Alumnus 1977 EE) being sought after. Email: [email protected]

215 Old Country Road We are consulting in the wedding ♦ Deer Park, NY 11729 space and run a small but

THE SANDPAPER 2.0 TEAM BITS & BITSAA NEWS BITS, PILANI TO Venkateswaran emphasized that BITS IN UNESCO'S the education offered by BITS SET UP THIRD was very good and unique and TOP 20 ASIAN CAMPUS AT their effort was to bring in the UNIVERSITIES maximum number of students HYDERABAD under their fold, and that it was BITS Pilani has decided to bring the sole motivation for their up a third campus at Hyderabad. decision to set up another A team of directors related to campus. academics and administration at BITS Pilani visited the city on The recently released Science January 4 to discuss with the Report 2005 which is the fourth Government the modalities of in a series published by establishment of the institute. UNESCO has listed BITS, "We are committed to Pilani as one of the top 20 Asian establishing the campus at universities. Hyderabad and things are The report gives a Global positively moving ahead," Overview of Science and confirmed S. Venkateswaran, analyses the emerging trends in Vice Chancellor, BITS. He Scientific Research and Higher affirmed that the campus would Education through the eyes of an be a full-fledged one on the lines independent team of experts. Six of the IITs (excluding IIT, of the one in Pilani, and will offer all the courses. Prof.

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Features BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine

Guwahati) also figure in the list the best examples of what it of top 20 Asian universities. means to be a BITSian. These awards will be presented every 3 years. Of the 30 winners, whose BITSAA WOMEN’S ages range from 18 to 29 and COUNCIL – WELL batches from 1992 to 2003, 8 are BEGUN! PhDs, 7 are MBAs and 3 are in The BITSAA Women's Council arts, media and entertainment is going strong, with a 300+ industry. The winners include 9 group of enthusiastic women role-model women. from all possible fields and careers who are networking, Among the winners was debating issues and forming a Minakshi Krishnan (’95 support system. It has a full Shanti Sharma Pharma) who won in the team in place now, with folks category of Community with a rich voice, aesthetic having volunteered to be group Leadership. Minakshi completed sensitivity and has received mentors for Corporate Life, the Mardi Gras Marathon in intensive talim from master Academics, Entrepreneurship, February 2005 and raised funds vocalists like Shri Work-life balance, Writing and for the Whitman Walker clinic Sangameshwar, Pt. Amarnath such like categories such like. that works with HIV/AIDS and Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan. Additionally, there is a 10 patients in the U.S. She is the Serenity, an integrated member executive team that is coordinator of Asha for the DC structured exposition of the supposed to hold events in chapter. She has also worked raga, fluency and swift tanas different cities across the world, organizations in India including are the hallmarks of her singing. and do press coverage if needed AID, and Kalpavriksh, and has Over the years, she has and work on BITSAA activities. been a Service Corps volunteer performed in most music Several events have already and an American Red Cross festivals in India. been held -- one in East Coast, one in Hyderabad, and two in She was recently awarded the Bangalore. Each meet had about Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini half a dozen people, which Award on the occasion of Indira certainly portends a healthy Gandhi’s birthday celebrations. future for the burgeoning Shanti Sharma is at present a organisation. Faculty member of Shriram

Bharatiya Kala Kendra. To subscribe to BITSAA WoC, BITSAA’S GLOBAL please visit: 30 UNDER 30 Minakshi Krishnan http://groups.yahoo.com/gr AWARD volunteer for blood drives. oup/bitsaa-woc BITSAA announced the first ever 2005 Global 30 under 30 ANITA GUPTA, Awards. This award is dedicated SHANTI SHARMA, to all those young BITSians who BITS ALUM’S BIZ BITS ALUM WINS thought and acted differently, FASTEST INDIRA GANDHI who challenged the status quo, rewrote the rules, and created GROWING AT PRIYADARSHINI their own paths. To the leaders, FLEXTRONICS AWARD innovators, researchers, Anita Gupta (’81, EEE) is Acknowledged today as one of students, entertainers, currently heading the Wireless the finest vocalists in the entrepreneurs, winners, and Convergence Business Unit country, Shanti Sharma, a engineers, scientists and at Flextronics Software Systems classical singer from the Kirana concerned samaritans who came (FSS), which is part of the $19 and Indore traditions is endowed from every corner of India; to Billion Flextronics corporate,

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Features BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine and is focused in forces - arguing that KOTHARI: Telecommunication software. regionalization will replace the Not only is Anita’s business unit much celebrated globalization. EXCELLENCE the fastest growing business at Rajendra S Sisodia, EEE, BITS, AWARD HONOREE FSS, she has also been Pilani, PhD, Marketing and Telephonics Corp, Farmingdale, responsible for creating IPRs in Business Policy from Columbia, New York, the largest defense the Wireless domain, which is Professor of Marketing and company on Long Island have been successfully licensed the Founding Director of the honored Navneet K Kothari to Telecom OEMs. Center for Marketing with Excellence Award by Mr. Technology at Bentley College, Joseph J. Battaglia, President, Waltham. Telephonics Corp, at an award PAINTED ceremony held on October 12th, PLATTERS His forthcoming books (all with 2005 at its Corporate Sonali Mohanty (95 Phy Jagdish N Sheth) include Does Headquarter, Farmingdale, New Instru), a talented artist had her Marketing Need Reform? , York. He has been working as a first exhibition of paintings at a Firms of Endearment and The 4 Principal with the company coffee bar called "Painted As of Marketing. In 2003, he providing technical expertise on platters" in Bangalore that was cited as one of the '50 various commercial and defense received rave reviews from the Leading Marketing Thinkers' in programs .He has been Times of India (Bangalore the world by the UK-based instrumental and successful in Edition). Ten paintings ranging Chartered Institute of timely completion of multi- from oils to pastels with varying Marketing. billion dollars rapid transit themes were displayed. Sonali is program .He was congratulated a Marketing Executive at Aztec MOBILE MEDICS on having attained many Software & Technology milestones in his career. His Services Ltd., – we owe our WINS 2006 GSVC dedication of service for last five cover design to her and Aditi IN NEW YORK Pany!. Mobile Medics, an idea floated by Sriram Gutta from BITS Pilani and Jordan Tongalson BITS ALUM (Columbia MBA 2006) took top AUTHORS BOOK honors in the 2006 Global Social Venture Competition ON GLOBAL (www.socialvc.net). There were ECONOMIC AND nine final teams from 110 plans, GEOPOLITICAL half of which incredibly came Navneet K Kothari from India, some from existing ISSUES businesses in the US, Africa and years was exemplary in many BITS alum, Dr. Rajendra S Asia. The GSVC is a premier ways and thus has been Sisodia and Dr. Jagdish N event for social entrepreneurship entrusted with many programs Sheth have authored a book, in the world, and it turned out to on multiple platforms on Secure Tectonic Shift, which speculates be a great day for BITS Pilani. Digital Communications on the world's economic and The entire Mobile Medics team programs worldwide. geopolitical future. While the at Pilani worked hard on the world is still surveys, videos and pilots to He is an Honors engineering coming to make this happen, along with graduate from Birla Institute of grips with the their management team and Technology and Science (BITS), implications advisors in the US. Anupendra Pilani, India and Dual Masters of Sharma and co. will seed the diploma in Telecommunication globalization, venture with the prize money Networks and Management Tectonic Shift they have received. from Polytechnics University, discovers the New York. unfolding of ♦ an unprecedented realignment of

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Features BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine

BY DILIP D’SOUZA (’76 EEE) HEEDING THE CALL Dilip D’Souza is a prolific writer for several publications and is a member of the Editorial Board of BITSAA Sandpaper. For more of Dilip’s musings, visit his blog at http://dcubed.blogspot.com.

loved to go on discussing stuff statements. In fact, he seemed TRAVELLED to till the cows came home, but a unable to imagine that they Rajasthan recently. By road. bell rang and we were could be questioned at all. To Entered the state at its shepherded out. him, these were givens. Much southwestern end, town called like observing that the sun Sanchor on NH-15. But here's But I found myself brooding comes up in the east. Who the thing: almost from the over one question in particular. would question that? minute I entered, I began feeling Apropos of nothing else that had And I wondered how it was that the distant call from a little town come up for discussion, one this man had missed the way the hell over on the other young man put up his hand and fundamental lesson of education end of the state, that place where wanted to know our opinion and citizenship that I think I generations have grown to be about what he called "recent picked up in that little eastern women and men of substance. I peace moves towards Pakistan." Rajasthan town those decades knew the call would come, and Like it often happens, he didn't ago. In a word, questioning. that's why my travelling buddy really want to know our opinion, Question everything, authority and I planned a night halt there. he wanted the chance to offer especially, yourself always. This But for various unfortunate his: that this was going to be a does not mean that you go reasons, we had to cancel, less disaster for India because through life disbelieving than 24 hours before we would Pakistan instigates terrorism everything. Question, that's all. have arrived in Pilani. against us and Pakistanis cannot Question and satisfy yourself be trusted and they are a about the answers as they are Too bad. But the call, it was dictatorship and we will never given, that's fine. But question. there. And when it next comes, I compromise on even an inch of will heed it. our land and we have been so Yet with this bright-eyed kind to them for so long and our student, I got the distinct feeling As something of a substitute, patience is wearing out and our that the very idea of questioning, though from my Pilani-biased position is morally right and at least with the Pakistan issue, perspective a poor one, we Kashmir belongs to us! (Said in was not even a possibility. visited another place where they pretty much that breathless Why do I say I picked it up in teach things to students, MBA fashion). Pilani? It's not that our types. (Aside: why do people do professors, whatever the subject, MBAs? Decades out of college This is not the space to get into a told us to do it in every class; myself, and I'm still trying to dissection of all those not that they dinned it into our figure that puzzle). Withou allegations and arguments. But I heads. We didn't have a course knowing it would happen, we mention it here because at the anything like the one I know IIT found ourselves thrust into a time, it struck me that he was Kanpur recently offered its class full of them. Bright eyes saying essentially what our students, "Responsible Dissent". and eager faces listening to what governments have said for years No, there was no explicit, overt two middle-aged men, dusty about Pakistan. What, therefore, mention of the value of from days on the road, could a lot of Indians say about questioning and scepticism. find to say off the top of their Pakistan. Nothing wrong there. heads: it must have been quite a But it also struck me, as we But it was certainly there: sight. But yes, they listened. discussed what he had said a unstated and subliminal, Then they asked many little bit, that he would not, or perhaps, but there. questions, and we would have could not, question these

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Features BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine

And here's where I think it came you're immersed in one subject, other issues -- that they will not from: the much tom-tommed it is easy to emerge thinking question. "broad-based education" BITS that's the way of the world. Yet offers. of course, it isn't, and that's the Still, my feeling is -- and believe sometimes harsh lesson you me, I am trying hard not to be Think about it. Why, after all, have to learn. It's when you the alumnus holding a should an electrical engineer understand that there are worshipful candle for the alma know anything about multiple truths out there, mater -- my feeling is that as a economics? Why should a different ways of looking at rule, people graduate from BITS physicist know anything about things around you, that you with a certain openness of mind sociology? Why should a begin to ask questions. and spirit. And I think that computer scientist know comes from the kind of anything about English In fact, this is precisely why two education. BITS has always literature? Yet if these are BITS professors at IIT Kanpur -- one prided itself for offering. graduates, it's likely they have in Computer Science -- came up taken such courses. with the idea of the And -- to return to my road trip - "Responsible Dissent" course in - that's really why I feel that call And what's the value of it all? In 2001. They were increasingly whenever I enter Rajasthan. a previous column here, I wrote worried by the kind of citizens Because as the years go by, you about the different paths that that great institution was turning appreciate that spirit more and BITS alumni have taken, and of out, with its relentless focus on more. You appreciate the place how that's a tribute to the kind specific engineering disciplines. in your life, the time in your life, of place it was and the education that you learned those lessons. it gave us. That's the value. Now I have no idea which college my young friend with So really, the next time that call But more subtly, I believe the the firm opinions on Pakistan comes, I will certainly heed it! exposure to a wide range of graduated from. I also have no subjects and issues gives you the doubt there are plenty of BITS ♦ tools, the confidence, for that alumni who have just as firm process of questioning. When opinions -- on Pakistan and on

BITSians Partyin’ Around the World Silicon Valley Chapter – 7th Annual Reunion

For more photos and complete event details, please visit: http://www.bitsaa-svc.org

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 11 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

BY HIMABINDU CHITTA ('02), KRITHIKA KALYAN ('00), BHARATI BALAKRISHNAN ('00), DEEPTHA GANAPATHY ('95), ADITI PANY ('00) AND DILEEPAN NARAYANAN ('00) BITSIAN WOMEN YOU GO GIRL! Several generations of women have passed through the hallowed portals of BITS Pilani and they have steadily, often inconspicuously, carved out a niche for themselves in the world. These BITSian Women boast impressive academic, professional and social credentials. They have neither shied away from taking risks nor bucked an at-times stagnant social system. And, most importantly, they have persevered relentlessly, sometimes in the face of significant cultural and attitudinal challenges. Sandpaper’s Cover Story produced in collaboration with the BITSAA Women’s Council is a celebration of the achievements of every single member of this community.

previously remained unrealized, some success; she was here to fettered by Indian conservatism. stay. Introduction The talented girls took to their Today, generations of proud Circa 1981, Meera Bhavan, new-found professional freedom BITSian women have passed BITS, Pilani. Sangeeta Samar like a duck takes to water. through the Birla Institute and (now Patni) found herself one of are now carving a niche out for the twenty girls "inducted and Sangeeta says, “So, we were a themselves in the world. They familiarized" with BITS, Pilani. real minority. Did that bother are those that threw caution to Her batch was one that featured us? No – for most of us, it was the winds, bucked an 20 girls in a batch of 400 guys. exhilarating. To be at a place increasingly stagnating social The previous batch had had 16 were most parents of that time system and persevered girls, and around 400 boys. And would fight shy of sending their steadfastly, absorbing massive the earlier batch, an even lesser daughters. After all, 25 years cultural and attitudinal changes number of females. So, what did back, engineering was very and the pressures that came with these girls find in Pilani? She much a ‘Men Only’ profession. them. Some of them even drove fondly recollects, “They walked Some of us, including myself, the changes, rebelling freely in as girls, older than they ever had to fight tooth-and-nail with against issues, unacceptable. were, and walked out as women, our parents to be here and to younger than they would ever study engineering.” It was not always easy battling be. And, being one of them I against the tide and society. know, it was great in the “On campus, we were an ‘equal’ According to Dr. Meera meanwhile!” sex. Though we were unequal in Banerjee, ex-warden of Meera numbers, there was no gender Bhawan and someone who has The bold parents of these persecution. There was reason seen BITS evolve over four ambitious girls did not know for this – our EEE batch topper decades, the 60’s were strict that they were setting a trend: was a female, and so was the times. Girls had a dress code one that would gradually previous EEE batch too.” (yes! Sarees with plain borders) permeate through the middle and were not allowed outside class and, in the process, help The signs were already ominous MB beyond 7pm. No interaction fulfill the potential of the Indian for the parochial lot. The unless necessary for academics, professional woman that had BITSian woman was enjoying was permitted between girls and

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Holi at Meera Bhawan, 1996 boys. In fact, girls seen to be Dr. Raj Singh, a 76 batch Engineering Technology, MMS talking to boys outside classes BITSian currently doing cutting and Biological Sciences, it was had to face an interview with the edge research in VLSI design in even higher! warden. A few girl students CEERI, remembers that his were not allowed to take on classmates, though few, were The playing field was level. The courses in the lunch period since never inactive. Whether in boy girl ratio marched closer to only male professors would be cultural, academic or sports unity and the girls were moving in the institute at that time and activities, girls were always on from strength to strength. the MB warden in those days eager and equal participants. He Why; by the advent of the new believed in severe discipline. remembers Pragnya Nimbkar, millennium, girls were regularly But the girls in the 60’s and the only female hockey player in standing up to compete for posts 70’s, some of whom Mrs. BITS, who played with the of major responsibilities; the Banerjee knew as classmates of boys’ team for lack of female likes of Student Union her oldest daughter, were fun- company! President, General Secretary and loving and spirited. They were other key Student Union never docile, she asserts. The number of girls joining responsibilities. And they were Academics were a level playing BITS increased significantly doing a great job! field, though social interactions towards the 90’s, but it was between boys and girls were really the IT boom that bolstered It is really no surprise that quite limited. Leadership was a these numbers and dispelled the a few of these uninhibited quality she admired in a few notion of ‘hard mechanical and achievers have translated their girls she befriended. She physical labor’ that was potential to become highly remembers the strong women associated with the core successful in their professional who contested fairly for political engineering disciplines like lives, in a number of different posts and fulfilled their Mechanical and Civil fields. In fact, some of them responsibilities with a passion. Engineering. The year 2004 saw have steadily accrued national "These girls helped their fellow the percentage of girls at BITS and international renown. The students adjust and truly made rise to nearly 40 percent and in Sandpaper team, in this issue, BITS a second home for them" fact, in the disciplines of seeks to profile an eclectic she says fondly. Computer Science, Electronics sampling of BITSian women and Instrumentation, Chemical, who have carved their own Information Systems, niches in their respective

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 13 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine professions, through the data third of all people involved in educationists says she owes her available to us. In doing so, we entrepreneurial activity are current status to her education have categorized women for this women. The growth of the IT- and her family. “I was good at issue into various professional ITES industry in recent times math and science in school. My fields. has resulted in the narrowing of father encouraged me to pursue Entrepreneurs the gender divide, particularly in engineering schools and Business Leaders the field of entrepreneurship. recommended BITS. That was Academia From mom stores and traditional my entry ticket into the field of Community and Public businesses, today’s women are technology. After that there was Service beginning to make their mark in no turning back. I pursued a Engineering & Technology the ranks of high tech career in IT and software Creative Artists entrepreneurs. development and later, after my MBA, I started refining my Each of the women featured is business skills with a the definitive BITSian Woman career in management in the fullest sense: a shining consulting and marketing. beacon of the BITSian spirit as A culmination of all these well as the modern day woman. experiences led me to found netCustomer,” We thank all the BITSians who smiles Pandey. have helped us in compiling this list. And today she’s an icon in the Silicon Valley. For Punita, starting her own Entrepreneurs business has been a most rewarding experience. Experts and surveys conducted "The creation process is so in recent times reveal that the exhilarating - to conceive lack of role models is the No. 1 something, assemble a factor discouraging women from team, execute, and offer pursuing MBAs and taking up your customers something roles as business leaders. But if which is valuable for them, you take a look at the illustrious your company, and all the list of BITS alumnae that we Punita Pandey individuals involved. have been able to identify, you There have been lots of will find that not only has BITS ups and downs, but I have never left you with a fine education Much has been written about been more satisfied", she says. and memorable life experiences, Punita Pandey (1980-84, EEE), it has also left you with an CEO and Founder, netCustomer, inspiring legacy to follow. This a leading provider of enterprise article profiles the achievements software support and services. and experiences of BITSian Her company has customized its women entrepreneurs from innovative services for clients around the world, in fields as like PeopleSoft, J. D. Edwards diverse as Consultancy, IT, products, Sony, Dell, Qualcomm Education and Manufacturing and IBM. In fact, netCustomer’s and batches as far apart as the success is taught as a case study mid 60s to early 90s. at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University Female entrepreneurship is and at several leading expanding around the world. universities around the world. The Global Monitoring Report But there’s more to be said, and 2005 on Women and learned from. Vandana Malaiya Entrepreneurship (www.gemconsortium.org) She started off like most of us. estimates that more than one- The daughter of retired

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 14 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

Another inspiring example from life do so without guilt and year old daughter, Nidhi. the very same batch and without losing sight of your discipline is that of Vandana professional and personal The youngest entrepreneur in Malaiya. She began what was to goals.” Different strokes for our list is Gayathri be a remarkable career at DCM different folks? You bet! Data Products in Delhi in hardware R&D. A few years Then there’s Sangeeta down the line, she left behind Patni from the ’81 stints in the US and Verifone, batch, also a EEEite –a Bangalore and co-founded a woman with several software services firm, firsts to her credit: she EximSoft Technologies Pvt. was the first woman in Ltd., in the product engineering the management team at space based out of Bangalore. Eicher Motors, an Her clients were primarily from automobile company, Japan, the U.S. and Europe. In and the first woman October 2004, her company engineer at Rajasthan merged with Trianz Consulting State Mines and a Silicon Valley based Minerals, Udaipur, a management consulting firm. mining company! This Currently, she is Director at trailblazer went on and Anuradha (Anu) Parthasarathy Trianz. co-founded Extensio Software Inc. which builds and Viswanathan. Gayathri Vandana juggles traveling, sells information delivery graduated from BITS in 1995 photography, painting, solutions to enterprises all over with a degree in Chemical gardening and cooking for the world. She currently wears engineering. In 2002, she co- hobbies. Whew! All this of two hats for Extensio -as Vice founded a company called course apart from spending time President, Engineering and also Maarga Systems, a software with her son, playing an Country Head. Sangeeta leads company focused on the Lotus important role on the Software the engineering center based out Notes technology which has Process Improvement Network of Nagpur and has been today grown to a 25 strong and promoting entrepreneurship successful in building a core organization. Gayathri among women particularly in IT middleware solution that has specifically looks into the entire and BT through the TiE Women been reviewed positively by delivery organization. Bangalore chapter. analysts such as IDC and “Perseverance is the key to Gartner, and has partnered with Her career path follows a success”, she maintains. companies such as IBM and sequence that many of us webMethods. For her women can relate to. Gayathri We asked her what it was like to achievements, Sangeeta was joined IBM from BITS and rose be a woman entrepreneur; featured by Network Computer up the ranks from being a “Personally I do not give much magazine in November 2002 on programmer to becoming a weightage to gender biases of its cover as one of the four top project lead. She then moved to the people working with me. I successful CIO-turned- the US where she consulted guard against taking any entrepreneurs. briefly with Lotus Corporation privileges specifically designed after which she worked with for women. I make sure that Sangeeta loves to dance, read PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a people do not nurture pre- and write and teach her an eight- Senior Consultant. When she conceived notions about what moved back to India from the women can do and cannot do, US, Gayathri started Maarga. will do and will not do.” She goes on to say, “As women, we Gayathri had always wanted to will always have to create a climb the corporate ladder and good work-life balance. be a top executive by the time However, if you choose to give she was 30. But today, she is far more importance to one over the happier facing the challenges of other based on the phase in your entrepreneurship. However, she

Gayathri Viswanathan SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 15 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine boldly adds that she is not afraid In the early 1990s Anuradha Kenpeople, she was selected for to limit the growth of her (Anu) Parthasarathy, MMS the Executive MBA at Kellogg. business so that she can retain Batch of 1983, founded and She joined when she was 32 the time to do her other built Nexus Search Consultants after having two kids and when activities. which is the No.1 Search Firm her second child was just 3 for the technology sector in months old. At the same time Bangalore. Her clients at Nexus she was running a $25M included technology giants such business unit and commuted to as Autodesk, Cadence, Compaq, Chicago from Boston every CA, 3COM, Cisco, Epson, HP, alternate weekend. In between IBM, Sanyo, SUN and Siemens, the program, her family moved as also startups such as Aspect, to India and she commuted from Aztec, Entevo, IDEA, Silicon India. The pressure of being a Automation, Sierra and Talisma. role model for her children and Prior to founding Nexus, Anu her never say die spirit kept her was the Head of Marketing for going! Wipro’s International Operations Division. In 2000 She has clear advice for budding Anu co-founded e4e in the US, a women entrepreneurs. She company that provides business warns, “If you are a processes and engineering outsourcing services through its Chandralekha Bhaskar portfolio companies. She didn’t stop there; today she is the Senior to Gayathri by more than Founder and CEO of Global two decades is Chandralekha Executive Talent, a senior Bhaskar whose story is truly executive search firm that ground-breaking. Chandralekha identifies leadership talent for joined BITS in 1966 to pursue US-based companies going Electronics engineering and offshore and Asia-based forty years down the line she is companies making forays into Director of Bhaskar Energy the US market. Three role Private Limited, a 150 Crore models in one great gal! group manufacturing generating sets. Chandni Sahgal

Prior to her current role, perfectionist- forget it. Chandralekha headed the Prioritize and that's very, very Marketing Divisions of leading important.” Anita stresses the OEMs of Kirloskar Cummins of importance of building a support their times and gathered group. “Your family will be the experience in Gensets for over most important support factor two decades. In 1988, she set up for you. Take help from parents, an assembly plant at Noida and in-laws, network with friends has been the OEA of Cummins, and people from the same Kirloskar Oil Engines and college and schools. Find them Leyland since then. and build newer bonds”, she Chandralekha’ hobbies include says. reading, traveling and theatre Anita Sakuru and she also has worked in the And finally, a lady with a most area of girl child development. exciting profile – Chandni Anita’s story of success is very She encourages as well as Sahgal! We’ve all watched the powerful. Anita Sakuru, from cautions us with her message for music and madness of MTV, but the ’87 batch, is the founder, the BITSian woman, “You have little did we know that the CEO and Chairman of great opportunities and person behind the launch of Kenpeople. Just before starting challenges ahead.” MTV India was none other than

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 16 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine a BITSian! Yes, Chandni was player, make quick, sensible the Country Head of MTV Business decisions and zoom past a India, and was instrumental in stream of success milestones. launching it in India. She has Leaders These women have done it all – also worked with Pritish Nandy be it Akhila Krishnakumar Communications as the CEO Perhaps the greatest testimony (’89) who is today CEO of SCT and was a key driver in to a well-rounded education Software Solutions India Pvt. establishing the company. She program is the multifaceted Ltd. while chairing the led a complete turnaround of leaders it is able to nurture and AMCHAM Bangalore chapter Times FM, Cyanamid India, supply to the world. In that or, Renu Muralidharan (’77) Novartis and Eicher Motors and respect, the Integrated Program who holds dual roles as has been instrumental in at BITS certainly seems to have Corporate Quality Head and establishing the operations of well justified its intent. As we Delivery Head with Datamatics Cyanamid, Novartis and Eicher thread together the achievements Ltd., Mumbai. Taking the world Motors in various markets. of several of our women alumni of finance by storm are Chandni, an MMS graduate under the Corporate Leadership Srividhya Rajesh (’90, MMS) from the 1981 batch, is today the head, we tread paths set ablaze and Yashodhara Mishra. founder and Managing with outstanding work, be it in While the former is a leading Proprietor of D'Essence Information Technology, Fund Manager of the country Consulting, a Management Quality Assurance or Marketing; managing Mutual Funds at Consulting, Business Advisory glass ceilings lie shattered by the Sundaram, Yashodhara and Talent Management way side as new horizons are supervises IPAC Singapore’s Consulting Boutique firm. scaled, and repeatedly, we are operations as Vice President. Chandni, who believes that awed and overwhelmed by some learning is a continuous process, awesome grit and determination While the characteristic was awarded the prestigious on display. corporate leader of the present is Graduate Gordon Fisher probably backed by a Masters in Fellowship at the University of The first time I recall Business Administration or an Toronto in 1993-94. But she contemplating the definition of a equivalent, another remarkable didn't stop there. She landed at leader was in a test in the feature about these women is the London School of Principles of Management that many have made a Economics in 2001 for the course (popularly termed PoM), successful transition from the Leadership Program. where we were asked to write an technical to the managerial side, essay on “Are leaders born or sans the extra degree. Steering Anita Balasubramanian is an made?” I don’t quite know the the technical side at CSLTECH entrepreneur of a different kind answer to that one yet, but I is Mitra Priya, currently –she has started two NGOs. We definitely believe being a leader Director, with more than 13 have profiled her in the section in today’s corporate jungle years in the Software Industry on Community Leaders. places huge demands – you need and a rich body of work behind Rashmi Datt, author of to lead by example, be a team her, at various companies. ‘Managing your Boss’ runs Prachi Garg is another shining Dialog, a Learning Services example. This spirited kid, from delivery consultancy. And there the Class of 1986, EEE, is now is Neetu Khilnani (’87, MMS) Deputy General Manager at who started a web services firm VSNL. Having established her called NetResult Co. in credentials in R&D, she has Mumbai, before moving to the ascended the managerial ladder US. Each of these women has and is known for her sheer broken stereotypes and stand command in the field and unique testament to the amazing insights on several issues. opportunities that lie before us. Go girl! The list is endless. It captures Srividhya Rajesh, the spirit Sheena Verma Fund Manager, imbibed into a venture she Sundaram Mutual started along with her husband, Fund built and nurtured through an

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 17 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine entire life cycle, and the spunk Convergence Business Unit at successfully led the turnaround of Anu Khendry Assistant Vice Flextronics Software Systems of manufacturing facilities in President, Quality at Satyam (FSS). FSS is part of the $19 Europe in post acquisition Computer Services Ltd. in Billion Flextronics corporate, environment and has driven Hyderabad. Each is a story of and is focused in strategy development and courage, purpose, and Telecommunication software. execution in a variety of indefatigable drive. Not only is Anita’s business unit environments and functions – Let’s begin with Anupama the fastest growing business at sales through operations. Narayanan, a B4A7 graduate FSS, she has also been who is currently an Executive responsible for creating IPRs in Revathi advises young budding with Bank of America at the Wireless domain, which leaders not to get carried away Charlotte, North Carolina. have been successfully licensed with trying to achieve the so Multifaceted at BITS, with a to Telecom OEMs. called “work-life balance” in the flair for Tamil Drama, Music Anita believes that the software near term, as long as they and Math, she even volunteered industry is a great place for balance in the long term. “Stay for the Chemical Assoc, while women as it offers an excellent grounded and have fun!” she still a Computer Science student. environment, provides says. An accomplished certified six opportunities to travel places to sigma Black Belt and broaden one’s perspective, and a distinguished Master black belt, huge amount of technical and she sure is the apostle of a management challenges! She quality professional! (Master advises budding leaders to be Black Belts are Six Sigma involved in cross-functional Quality experts that are roles, as one can learn a lot responsible for the strategic about what goes into running a implementations within an corporation. “Ofcourse”, she organization). Anu has Masters adds, “while you work, don’t and PhD degrees in Operations neglect the family – be it your Research. Before joining Bank parents, grandparents, husband of America, she has held various and kids. Whether you like it or positions from Senior Research not, a woman is an integral part Usha Subramanian Statistician and Senior of all families – and has to Consultant to Director of shoulder and plan for everything Finance and Director of Quality. at both ends.” “Be passionate about whatever A strong advocate of the home- you aspire to be and excellence school philosophy, she teaches will just follow you!” she her daughter along with her recommends with characteristic husband at home, apart from enthusiasm. Many amongst us finding the time to sew, read and would recall the excellent play chess. The key mantra to reviews Usha Subramanian’s success in her very own words is classes in Computer to get right back on your feet Programming received. Her when you fall, and know always that many others fell before you. And finally the much needed shot in the arm – “Think Revati Advaithi (quickly) before you speak, but do speak up! Your opinion may be the very thing people needed Unusual for a woman back then, to hear at that moment…” Revati Advaithi chose to Touche! pursue mechanical engineering when she joined BITS in 1986. Also among the first few to Today Revathi holds dual roles make a mark is Anita Gupta as Vice President and General (’81, EEE) who is currently Manager –IM&C at Honeywell heading the Wireless and International. She has Padma Reddy

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 18 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine handbook on an introduction to Personally, all these traits have with Chitra Balireddi ('96), Computers and programming greatly helped me in my among the first two BITSian was an absolute treasure. Usha professional life”, she says. Well women to be offered admission began her courses in the MVS nurtured and stoked by to the MBA program at the program after her daughter was education and upbringing, Harvard Business School. She born and went on to ace all of integrity and a positive attitude nurtures dreams of starting a for- them while Chief Coordinator, are indispensable to this profit social enterprise that will Center for Software technology leader. promote her home state Orissa's Development, BITS, Pilani. She traditional art and craft. With is credited with introducing will written all over, successful online evaluation for the realization of this dream can't be programming courses, later far behind now, can it? extended to many others. To those of us present during the Adventurous Mythreyee transition, the significance is Ganapathy enjoys tinkering tremendous. She currently is with new software products or President, Learning Solutions at devices, shiking, white-water Ascendum Systems, Bangalore. rafting, reading, embroidery and cooking that is when she’s not Padma Reddy (’81) is two managing the External Research decades into the software and Programs at Microsoft industry and going strong. She is Research India. In this role, she the Head of the India focuses on building research Development Center, Swati Satapathy collaborations between webMethods Inc. and has been Microsoft Research and external responsible for setting it up from researchers, building the PhD ground up. Everything about her Corporate leadership may student community, laying is versatile, right from the involve enormous multi tasking, foundations for curriculum and several managerial positions she taxing work hours, enormous pedagogical improvements in has held across organizations job stress and pressure, and CS as well as conducting market and functions, to her varied continuously updating oneself research to get a baseline interests in baking, reading and on the professional front. But understanding of the research playing music. Her message for above all, it requires meeting community in India. Prior to the BITSian woman strikes a with people – motivating them this, Mythreyee was at unique chord. “Let’s remind constantly; chiding, Microsoft (Redmond, ourselves that we women have appreciating, commending their Washington, USA) working as a been gifted with amazing every effort; simply making product manager in the Visual potential to achieve higher goals yourself worthy of being at their Studio Academic group. in life. All we need to do is helm. Women undoubtedly surge ahead with hard work, bring to this rather demanding Prasanna Krishnan’s (’96) perseverance, high standards of dimension an incomparable resume screams outstanding personal integrity and a positive sensitive facet that is at once “Can do & Will do” attitude. exciting and calming.

Swati Satapathy (’94), was one of the few women to land a prestigious Unilever job straight out of campus. After doing very well in her roles with Unilever in India and abroad and recently winning the BITS 30 Under 30 Prasanna Krishnan Mythreyee Ganapathy awards – Swati is, along

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 19 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine through and through. At In theory, women should find M.Sc(Math), M.Tech(CS), and Microsoft, where she worked few obstacles in pursuing a Ph.D.(CS) degrees from BITS, most recently, she was named career in academia where they Pilani. Dr Jyothi Mathur was an one of 15 Fast Track employees are more sheltered from external Assistant Lecturer and later a with potential to be future social and political stigma. Yet Research Associate at BITS. She company leaders. At UIUC, it remains a concern that women was awarded the Fulbright Discrimination in Academia?

• Women represent 41% of the nearly 1 million faculty members in the U.S. • In 2-year institutions, women account for 42% of full professors. • In 4-year liberal arts colleges, women account for 23% of full professors. • In research universities, women account for 17% of full professors. • For each year after securing a tenure-track job, male assistant professors are 23% more likely to earn tenure. • For each year after earning tenure, male professors are 35% more likely to be named full professors.

* Source: University of Chicago while pursuing her Masters in continue to face the glass ceiling Fellowship in 1985 and was a Computer Science, she won the syndrome, have limited post doctoral research at the C W Gear outstanding graduate networking due to the lack of an Georgia Institute of Technology. award, and her thesis was “old girls club” and face From 1987 to 1992, she was a nominated for the David J Kuck inadequate legislation to Visiting faculty, Computer outstanding award. At empower the working mother. Science Department at Purdue Microsoft, Prasanna was University. She now lives in responsible for co-designing two In developing countries, women West Lafayette (USA) with her patented technologies, and was face increased challenges, where husband who is a BITS among only 5 Siebel Scholars, higher education is limited and alumnus. Dr. Jyothi Mathur selected for academic excellence sometimes restricted to women teaches Sitar at the studio she and leadership. Now what did depending on the socio-religious established in 2002. She is very we tell you in the beginning! fabric of that country. Economic involved with her local and family constraints many community and has had several Each story inspires in different times limit women from Sitar recitals for fundraising. ways, and promises more dreaming beyond their own Dr. Reena Aggarwal (nee achievement in the future. And borders to purse their dreams. Garg) is currently a Visiting then there are some more who are just making a foray into the In spite of the challenges faced Corporate World, like Indira and the sad but true fact on Raman who started with discrimination, women have Colgate Palmolive in Sales and progressed in the academic Marketing, having topped the profession at various levels Business Management Program accounting for many success at XLRI, and Sushma stories. Vasudevan, an MMS graduate from BITS who is with Boston Dr. Jyothi Mathur is currently Consulting Group now after a the Educational Programs successful two years at IIM Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Kolkata. Computational Graduate

Specializations at Purdue Academia University. She joined BITS, Dr. Jyothi Mathur Pilani in 1971. She has her B.Sc,

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Professor of Finance in Sloan obtained her PhD from Purdue School of Management, MIT University in 1999. and Stallkamp Faculty Fellow and Professor of Finance, Swarnalatha Ashok is currently Georgetown University. She an Associate at the Institute of joined BITS in 1974 for her Systems Science of the National MMS. She earned her PhD in University of Singapore Finance from University of (Singapore). She earned her Maryland. She was the Interim MSc Tech. degree in Computer Dean of the McDonough School Science from BITS, Pilani. Prior of Business for 2004-2005. As a to joining ISS, she was Fulbright Scholar in Brazil and managing network management Chile, she examined stock (cellular networks) software markets and privatization development projects at the programs. Dr. Aggarwal was Dr.Dr. MonicaNeelam Valluri Gupta Motorola Software Centre, named in the "Outstanding Dr. Lata Narayanan Singapore. Faculty" article in the Business Week Guide to the Best Dr Padmini Srinivasan is a Business Schools. Dr. Lata Narayanan is Professor at The University of currently an Associate Professor Iowa (Iowa City, USA). She in the Computer Science graduated from BITS in 1978 Department and Undergraduate with a Master’s in Biological Program Director at Concordia Sciences. She obtained her PhD University (Montreal, Canada). in Information Studies from Her research interests are Syracuse University in 1985. Mobile computing, WDM She is a Professor at the School networks, algorithms for routing of Library & Information on distributed networks and Science & the Department of parallel algorithms and Management Sciences at The computation. She has over 13 University of Iowa. Her research journal publications and over 25 interests are text mining, web conference publications. mining, topical crawlers, text categorization, information

Dr. Ritu Lohtia

Dr. Ritu Lohtia is Associate Professor of Marketing at Georgia State University (Atlanta, USA). She graduated in 1986 with a Master's in Management Studies from BITS, Pilani. In 1991, she earned her PhD from University of Maryland in Business Dr. Neelam Gupta Administration. Dr. Lohtia was Swarnalatha Ashok the Highly Commended Winner in 1976 for the article published Dr. Neelam Gupta is currently filtering, formal models for in the Journal of Business and an Assistant Professor in the information retrieval (with Industrial Marketing. In 1994 Computer Science Department special emphasis on biomedical she was the second runner-up at the University of Arizona applications). for the Best Article published in (Tuscon, USA). She graduated the Journal of Business and from BITS in 1986. She Dr. Monica Valluri is the Industrial Marketing. Assistant Director of Kavli

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 21 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

Institute for Cosmological fine women Physics and Senior Research who have Associate at the Department of applied Astronomy & Astrophysics in themselves to The University of Chicago fields that (Chicago, USA). She graduated perhaps come from BITS in 1987 with her closest to Masters in Physics and obtained making a real her PhD in Astrophysics from difference. IIS, Bangalore in 1993. She was a Visiting Professor in Each is a University of La Plata, shining Argentina in 1999 and Visiting example of Scientist in University of grit, sincerity Marseilles, France in 2000. and From 1999 to 2001 she was an commitment Adjunct Associate Professor at to cause. We Anita Balasubramanian the University of Chicago. begin with the illustrious Kalpana Nayak from the heart. “Escape from ('90 Comp Science) who is the narrow careerism and be Community & Commandant of the first all- adventurous”, she says. women battalion of TN police While there are women who Public Service profiled in NewsToday. work in the public service or Recently, J Jayalalithaa, Chief with NGOs and other In today’s world, most of us Minister of Tamil Nadu development oriented who constitute the well- commissioned India’s first All organizations, there are several educated, highly qualified niche Women Police Battalion, led by who break new grounds in make that contribution towards Kalpana Nayak. Challenges on education periodically. Smita A. social causes. Then, to most of her job include providing has been working for the past 17 us, this contribution equals commando training to over 1000 years in the field of social monetary donations or a few women police officers in TN. development, of which 12 years hours of voluntary service Unique in spirit and deed. have been spent in elementary outside of work. Then to others, education. She has also worked it is their calling; their choice of Dr. Jasveen (Dhillon) Jairath on two major UEE programs in profession; a mainstream has charted a new course from the country - Lok Jumbish in activity- primarily, a way of life. the very beginning. A EEE Rajasthan and District Primary graduate (1967-72), Jasveen Education Program (DPEP), a This section portrays the lives of dabbled in Dramatics and public national program covering 18 those steeped in community speaking at BITS. She then states. Smita is currently the welfare and Administrative followed that up with a Director of Education Programs Doctorate in Economics at the American India and switched to the Foundation, New Delhi. social services line. She is currently the Regional So does Chandra Anil, who as Coordinator of CapNet joint coordinator of AID in South Asia which is an Chennai specializes in international network for innovative educational methods capacity building in to improve the effectiveness of integrated water education for primary and resources management. middle school children. Jasveen’s interests lie in Chandra, who graduated from research, advocacy and BITS in 1995, says some young networking in water volunteers working on the Kalpana Nayak resource development. course of India's development Her message for us is inspired her when she was still services. It is a tribute to these simple and we suspect, straight an engineer in electronic design.

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Praba Subramaniam (1993) India has always been well has had a career in public renowned for its culture, art and service/nonprofit with a few architecture. Recently the West gaps and breaks. She worked for has also seen the success of the sometime at Vidya Sagar “Indian Engineer”. A union of (previously known as The these two phenomena has led to Spastic Society of India in the emergence of a new breed of Chennai). She came to the US in individual – the creative 1999 and volunteered in several intellect. To explain this new nonprofit organizations - mainly breed of individual, we must Praba Subramaniam serving the technological explore the nature and definition needs of the disabled population. of creativity a little further. While working for seven years At Tulsa, OK Praba prepared a Creativity is defined as the in Wipro Infotech and SCM needs assessment report for ability to produce new things or Microsystems, she volunteered implementing County's new knowledge. One of the at AID-India. She eventually Headstart programs. Since last principal ways to be creative is became a full-time social work year, she’s been mostly at home to look for alternative ways to volunteer at AID Saathi in 2003 looking after her 3 yr old view phenomena or for after giving up her job. daughter and has started a small alternative ways to ask a business on eBay that question. Robert Sternberg's Anita Balasubramanian has specializes in selling handmade theory attributes several factors had a thoroughly wholesome accessories from India - that influence creativity - career in the social sector. After products made by marginalized Intelligence, Knowledge, graduating from BITS in 1999, producer groups comprising Thinking Styles, Personality, she has visited more than 80 women and the handicapped. Motivation and other groups in India involved in a Environmental factors. Maybe variety of issues such as This section would be creativity also requires a touch education, healthcare, tribal incomplete without a mention of of eccentricity and stubbornness. rights, conflict resolution and Minakshi Krishnan, who has human rights and has learnt that made a mark in the field of Voila! Is this not the all these issues are ultimately community service and is a environment in BITS, Pilani in a interconnected. She has also recent BITSAA 30Under30 nutshell? Be it OASIS, volunteered for several Asha awardee in the category of APOGEE, plays by drama clubs, chapters and has imbibed the Community Leadership. music nites or any other cultural spirit of the participative and Minakshi completed the Mardi event in BITS, we have had the democratic model that has made Gras Marathon in February 2005 opportunity to explore and Asha so successful. Perhaps her and raised funds for the nurture our creative side. Let me crowning achievements have Whitman Walker clinic that illustrate with some highlights been the two organizations she works with HIV/AIDS patients from our own BITSian women has co-founded: The Learning in the U.S. She is the who are prime examples of Network that explores the coordinator of Asha for the DC success in creative arts. various issues associated with chapter. She has also worked education in a holistic manner, with a number of organizations Anuradha Gupta (nee Sharma) and Sangati, an organization that in India including AID, and who has a MMS degree from explores social and Kalpavriksh on issues as diverse BITS (‘86-‘90) and an MBA developmental issues through as integrated rural development from Indian Institute of Foreign learning and related grassroots and health to women and child Trade, New Delhi is the author action. Anita has also development. Committed all the of three books. Her first book conceptualized and managed way, Minakshi has also been a was a book of philosophical Goodbooks Teachers Center, a Service Corps volunteer and an short stories and poems for resource center for teachers in American Red Cross volunteer limited circulation, called, "The and around Chennai. Given her for blood drives. Quest for Life" that dealt with affinity for learning and her primarily social themes. The irrepressible spirit, there’s no second book, "Memoirs of limit to what Anita can achieve Creative Arts Army Days" was about her in the future. experiences as an Army Brat,

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 23 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine reliving the nostalgia and joy of your boss. The book provides Army Life. insights and practical tips with Divya graduated from BITS the help of case studies and with a Mechanical Engineering The third book, The Green examples based on real life degree and took up a career as Dragon is a book that marries experiences of middle and an actress. Although she had the mythology of dragons with senior managers. Rashmi featured in the movie “Five children in India in an attempt to graduated from BITS in 1984 star”, she waited until her sensitize children to all possible with a MMS degree. At BITS, graduation to take on more environmental issues. It has she was the Cultural Secretary projects. She was Miss Madurai received good reviews from The of Meera Bhavan in 1982. She in 1999 and the runner-up in Hindu and the Free Press worked for 8 years with Pfizer, 2001 at the Ms. Chennai Journal. It is listed on Mumbai in Training before pageant. Her accomplishments Amazon.com. starting Dialog. Dialog, is a include receiving the TN State learning services delivery Award for Educational consultancy, which offers Excellence in 1999. Know as workshops towards personal and Kanika or Kaniha (Tamil) and organizational development. Sravanthi (Telugu & Kannada) Rashmi tells us “We are owners on screen she has featured in of talent and potential. Using it Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and is up to us.” Malayalam movies. Her list of films includes Ottessi Anuradha Haasan ('88 Physics Chepputanna (2003 in Telegu), MMS) has featured in many Annavaru (2003 in Kannada), movies and TV series in Tamil Autograph (2004 in Tamil), and Telugu. She is also part of Aethiri (2004 in Tamil), Dancer the Malayalam mega-serial (2004 in Tamil), Ettinum (2004 "Vivahita". In 2001, Anu won in Malayalam) and Godfather the Best Supporting Actress (2005 in Tamil). award for her TV role in Rashmi Datt "Anbulla Snehgidhiye" based on Padmini Chettur is a Chitra Banerjee's award winning choreographer and dancer. She novel "Sister of my heart". Her studied in BITS between 1987 Her fourth book (nearing movies include Priyanka (1994), and 1991 and several BITSians completion) is a semi-fiction Indira (1996), Alavandhan who were on campus then book dealing with bipolar (2001), Run (2002) and Nala remember her well from her disorder, with the objective of Damayanthi (2003). She won performance in the EDC plays. getting rid of the myths and the Tamil Nadu Government's After graduating from BITS, she stigma surrounding mental Best Character Artiste (Female) joined the dance company run disorders. She is also co- award for 2002 for her role in by Chandralekha. Padmini has authoring her fifth book with a the movie “Run”. Anu Haasan created her own identity and BITSian writer; this will be her also shares production credits in style, drawing from her early first novel. the film “Mumbai Xpress” training in the traditional starring Kamal Haasan. Bharatnatyam dance style. Her Anuradha is on the Editorial first solo work 'Wings and board of Sandpaper and on the Masks' (1994) was followed by Executive Committee of a New 'Brown' (1994). She collaborated York based non-profit with Krishna Devanandan for organization, Lend-A-Hand the duet 'Unsung'. Her other India. works include 'Soliloquy' (1996), 'Fragility' (2001) and Rashmi Datt is the author of the ‘Solo’ (2003). Her most recent well-known book “Managing work 'Paper Doll’ premiered in Your Boss”. This book, Netherlands in 2005. In ‘Paper published in 2005, is a practical Doll’, performed by Padmini guide to constructively Divya Chettur's company of five managing the relationship with dancers, she examines the chain

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 24 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine of paper dolls cut out of a piece person, she says “my manzil is announced that it was offering a of paper. The dolls were to reach the heights of sublimity degree in engineering, an identical representing perfection in singing”. electronics magazine ran an but two-dimensional and article with the title, "Is Female attached only at the arms. In an Engineer an Oxymoron?" The article she wrote about the show Engineering & author claimed that in his 32 and her work, she says “I years as an engineer in power represent an India still in the Technology electronics, he had never worked process of assimilating urbanity with a woman engineer. He into its culture, an India where In an article called “Can science concluded that women did not the ‘body’ still longs for be women-friendly?” , the noted have a love or aptitude for "real" freedoms it doesn’t yet have.” journalist and Chief of the technical work. These women Mumbai Bureau/ Deputy Editor defy any such hypotheses. of The Hindu, Kalpana Sharma talked about how difficult it Shoumi Das (now Sen), (EEE, would be to comprehend and 1997-2001) is one of those lone administer the larger issues of rangers, who has focused on a "gendered" science - the need to career in the noticeably evolve a system of knowledge underrepresented area as far as that integrates a gender the number of women working perspective in its approach and in it is concerned - the HVAC direction. While there are (Heating, ventilation and Air laudable efforts in this direction conditioning) industry. She like the special “Women’s works as a Project Engineer at Scientists Program” by Carrier, the famous air Department of Science and conditioning company and has, Technology’s which pledges to so far , not met a single engineer make concerted effort to give in her company who happens to women a strong foothold into be a woman. She was at the the scientific profession, help receiving end of incredulous them re-enter into the looks from customers and mainstream (post “break in their colleagues alike initially. Infact, Shanti Sharma careers" arising out of in her training programmes at motherhood and family work, her instructor keeps Shanti Sharma (nee responsibilities) and provide a referring to the team as Vaidhyanathan) is one of the launch pad for further forays "gentlemen" and adds the word finest classical vocalists in India. into the field of science and "lady" as an afterthought!! But She graduated from BITS in technology, both from the point of course, the men had no choice 1978 with a Masters in of view of pure science and its but to get used to having her Chemistry. She learnt music application to societal around, especially she is so under Pandit Amarnath in development, there is an urgent dedicated. The RF industry is no Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Delhi. need to address the more different story either, points out She later went on to become his immediate concerns plaguing Sangeeta Iyer, who is working assistant. In an interview with the women in this arena . The as in RF engineer at LCC The Tribune, she says “I am most significant of it being the International in North Carolina. happy I have stuck to music and reluctance on part of the women More often than not, women not given into the temptation of to specialize exclusively in any have to deal with pre-conceived earning quick bucks by of the organized and niche areas notions from their peers of the becoming a science teacher. of science or engineering – areas opposite sex that women will Music, for me, is a vocation. considered beyond their realm succumb to the relentless work God’s gift, which I humbly of capability. pressures and long hours. But of accept and nurture.” Shanti has course, over a course of time won many awards and has been Infact, as recently as five years and due to tremendous instrumental in the success of ago, when a well-known all- perseverance by the women to many artists who were her women's college in the United prove themselves, the men have students. A deeply philosophical States, Smith College, begun to have second thoughts

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 25 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine about their notions. Maybe the physically challenging women entering these areas has rest of womenfolk around can conditions at work, but rather become the thrust for breaking let Sangeeta and Shoumi show the stereotypical thinking of the traditional thought processes and them the way. social milieu surrounding them, taking all due credit for the due to which women tend to growing social justice and for It is a sobering truth that several garner fear that they might not providing an example of what is sectors have continued to be be taken seriously if they opt for possible far beyond the borders male dominated even today, let a career in science, engineering of scientific and technological alone a couple of decades back. and technology. Often, women institutions themselves. Sangeeta Patni (EEE,Batch of have to go farther, work harder, 1981) reminisces on her and accomplish more in order to A few of our very own kind managerial stint in the mining be recognized. Sangeeta adds on have contributed immeasurably industry where there were just a a more heartening note that it to this changing paradigm. couple of women working and got better with time, and by the mostly in a secretarial capacity, time she quit, after 4 years, but none apart from her as a people had acknowledged that manager. “In this job, there were women could meld in and work people who used to drive miles in all from the mines to see me, the kinds of situations. Due to her chick that worked in the mines!” sustained efforts in hiring and she says. Men apparently even recommending women to be stood behind curtains to sneak a recruited in roles such as hers, peak or two at her! When there were 8 women in about speaking to some of these men 2000 men, when left the mining on work-related matters, some company. These days, when she men simply did not know where has a chance to visit Udaipur, to look. Some refused to meet she sometimes meets with the her eye and some stared women she hired, and is filled steadfastly at the walls…. with a sense of pride to hear Kanchana Natarajan Professional meetings were a about the increasing trend in the Mendes mixed bag- More often than not, number of women engineers and she was not "heard", and in accountants now working in the some, she was the ONLY person company. Mitra Priya, Technical Director who was heard. When she went at CSL Tech, is a B.Tech from down to the mines, where she Of course, over the decades, BITS Pilani and Postgraduate was working on getting a plant remarkable progress has been from the IIT, Bombay and a constructed, she had the made in analyzing this concern Certified Quality Assurer. Mitra infamous reputation of being the of gender inequality in science, has a rich experience of over 13 cause of accidents, because engineering and technology. years in the Software Industry. when mining men saw a woman Despite the roadblocks, women Mitra has handled several large walk past, they were so shocked have responded by making scale projects for clients in that they dropped things they significant headway, if unevenly Europe, USA and India. She had in their hands! into these arenas. Women are held Middle and Senior being bestowed with greater Management positions at TCS, While Sangeeta’s anecdotes opportunity in these fields both Citicorp Overseas Software and seem to paint a hilarious picture in terms of wages and MBT. Her experience includes of the situation, in retrospect it responsibilities. It appears that execution of a Large and Middle was anything but. The lack of improving women's scale applications Development, more than a handful of women opportunities in science has Deployment and Production in areas of engineering such as benefited both the sciences and Support in areas such as e– mining, HVAC, cement plants, the cause of women in general. Business, Mainframe Systems as construction, manufacturing and Just as Marie Curie's well as Client Server based process industries is an indicator achievements excited the solutions in Verticals such as that the steepest challenge faced imaginations of women around Manufacturing, Banking and by women is not handling the the world in early last century, Securities. Mitra was tougher and sometimes the escalating percentage of instrumental in steering COSL

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 26 Cover Story Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine to attain SEI-CMM level 5 in Society for Microbiology and is still in its nascent stages and October 1999. Mitra was was a nominated member of will be included in parts as part heading the e-Business Sigma Xi, Scientific Research of Sowmya’s thesis. Sowmya initiatives of MBT for IBM Honors Society in 1998. and her team’s work has platforms before joining Kanchana has completed her garnered many CSLTECH as its Technical PhD in Microbiology and acknowledgements from the Director. Molecular Genetics. As an academic community with exceptional student, Kanchana publications in leading journals Archana Bandari (1980-1984, was awarded the ASM Student including the Journal of applied Chemical Engineering ), Award, the Edward A. Grula physics, IEEE Electron device presently the Principal Engineer, Distinguished Graduate letters, Applied physics letters, Mitretek Systems, Inc was the Fellowship, Oklahoma State Biosensors and bioelectronics recipient of the 2004 National University and the Cora Downs etc. and has been showcased in Women of Color Technology Award for Outstanding an article in Washington Post. Special Recognition Award. She Presentation by a Junior holds a US patent for “A Graduate Student. Ofcourse, she computer program product and has to her credit publications a method for using natural and reviews in several peer- language for the description, reviewed journals. search and retrieval of multi- media objects”. A key Soumya Krishnamoothy contributor to Mitretek’s (94B3A3) works for the corporate objective of applying Maryland center for Integrated leading-edge technologies in the Nano Science and Engineering, public interest., she successfully a multidisciplinary group at the worked on projects in the area of University of Maryland working health care, criminal justice, towards applying nano science national security, unemployment towards changing the world insurance, and transportation, profoundly, from electronic related to Knowledge devices and medical care to Management and fundamental understanding in Kavitha Venkatesan Representation, Customer the physical sciences, life Response Systems, Natural sciences and engineered Another young star is Kavitha Language Processing, systems. Broadly speaking, her Venkatesan who graduated Information Extraction, work involves developing from BITS in 1998 after Information Retrieval and CMOS compatible biosensors completing a B1A7 dual. She is Visualization. and specifically, her PhD is on currently Research Fellow at the developing high frequency Center for Cancer Systems Kanchana Natarajan Mendes resonators that serve as Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer (’88, Biological Sciences, electrical fingerprints that detect Institute and Harvard Medical MMS) is an Instructor at the M. the presence of antigens. While School. She completed her PhD D. Andersen Cancer Center. She her focus is on the device and in Bioinformatics in 2004 and is an Institutional Training Grant integrated circuit development, has published an article in Fellow, University of Rochester she interacts closely with Nature, one of the most widely Medical Center, Rochester, New biochemists at NIH to develop read/reputed journals in the York. She was awarded the the protein attachment scientific community (2005). National Eye Institute Award at chemistry. She is also part of a Kavitha has diverse interests. the Annual Meeting of group which are involved in a She helped to set up the Boston Association for Research in ground breaking the use of the Chapter for CRY (Child Relief Vision and Ophthalmology in high frequency resonators as and You) and was actively 2001, and the Research Fellow pressure sensors in prosthetic involved in fund-raising Award by the Annual Meeting legs. This sensor is to be initiatives (1999-2001). Even at of American Society for embedded in the prosthetic leg BITS, where she co-founded and Virology in 2000. Kanchana has and any applied pressure can be co-organized the first also been invited to speak at the transmitted as electrical pulses SANGAMAM, an annual Annual Meeting of American to excite the brain. This research classical music/dance festival in

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BITS in 1997, she has been a furthering her passion for in the Generics Sector of the pioneer. She believes that a big Bharatanatyam and has Pharma Business at Sandoz. Dr. key to success is to ‘do and performed at several locations in Monica Valluri (MSc. Physics – dare.’ Los Angeles. Graduated in 1987) is a Senior Research Associate at the Shilpa Sambashivan ( 1997 , Department of Astronomy & Msc. (Hons.) Biological Astrophysics in The University Sciences – BITS Pilani and Phd of Chicago. She also happens to – Biological Sciences at UCLA) be is the Assistant Director of was awarded the 2005 Amgen Kavli Institute for Cosmological Dissertation of the Year Award Physics. Padma Reddy from the Molecular Biology (Computer Science, 1981-1985), Institute of UCLA. She has also Head -India Development won the Pauling poster-prize at Center, webMethods Inc, the American Crystallographic Bangalore. These women have Associations’ annual conference not only done commendable and in 2004. Her most notable meritorious work in their own research publication was in the spheres of specialization, they prestigious journal, Nature (Sep have definitely set an example 8, 2005 issue) where she wrote for the generations to come, to about Amyloid research, Shilpa Sambashivan follow their dreams and aspire to presenting the new and achieve their goals. important insights into neuro- And the list degenerative diseases such as continues…Vardhini Kirthivas Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. (Bpharm, Batch of 1995) works Shilpa has been actively as Scientist –Regulatory Affairs

What You Can Do to Help We would encourage all BITSian Women to share their stories and successes with us. Your adoption of and active engagement in the BITSAA Women’s Council is vital to the success of this networking community and will go a long way in replicating your successes among future women leaders from all campuses of BITS Pilani.

You can email your comments etc. to [email protected].

To subscribe to BITSAA WoC, please visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bitsaa-woc

About the Authors Deeptha Ganapathy (95B5A8) was part of the BITS basketball team and captain of the basketball team in 1997. She holds an MS degree in Computer Science from Northeastern University, Boston. She loves to travel (defined as to take a solo backpacking trip) and is always planning her next vacation. Deeptha now lives and works in New York city.

Krithika Kalyan ('00). currenty based out of Bombay, works in the area of product development of retail insurance products in Reliance General Insurance. At BITS, she was a member of the Department of Controlz and was the Co- ordinator the Engineering Technology Association for Apogee 2003. She has also been a cultural secretary of Meera Bhawan. She has also tried her hands at managing a couple of bands in the Mumbai/Pune rock circuit and writing for local music magazines/webzines. These days, she is busy collecting long lost vinyl records in between reading, travelling and experimental cooking/cocktail mixing!

Aditi Pany (’00) works for a social enterprise in Delhi and is trying to figure if it is indeed possible to balance social objectives and business principles. She graduated from BITS in 2005 with MSc. Economics and B.E. E&E. She loves the sea, has an interest in handlooms and handicrafts and enjoys driving. Aditi aspires to contribute to Orissa's development as a social entrepreneur.

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Bharati Balakrishnan graduated in Chemical Engineering from BITS in 2004. At Pilani, she was an active member of DOPY and was its coordinator for Apogee 2003. Enthusiastic about writing and debating, she was also lead vocalist at the Music Club for four years and part of six English Drama crew teams while dabbling in acting in street plays. She followed this up with an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad from where she graduated this April. She is now all set to join Bain and Company as Associate Consultant, in June 2006.

Himabindu Chitta (’02 Chemistry-Computer Science) is a laid-back Hyderabadi! Himabindu is a member of the Dept of Controlz and the Cactus Flower editorial team on campus. She likes to read classics and has a new-found interest in poetry. Photography is a hobby.

Dileepan Narayanan ('00) He's currently doing his Masters in Industrial Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He joined BITS in 2000 for an MSc in Physics but transferred to a BE in Mechanical Engineering after a year. At BITS he was the captain of the BITS Cricket team and won the Best Player award in BOSM 2k2. He was also the Sports Secretary of BITS and organised BOSM 2003, the Joint Secretary of ELAS in 2002 and organised Wordstock in OASIS 2002 and 2003. He wrote and directed a play for the English Drama Club, which was staged in OASIS 2003, a member of the Poetry Club for a brief while. He continues to engage in quite a bit of reading and writing. Wilde, Saki, R.K Narayan, Hardy, and Tennyson are among his favourite authors. His brother, Sriram, is currently pursuing an MSc in Information Systems also at BITS.

Acknowledgements Mrs. Meera Banerjee, Dr. Daga, Dr. Raghunath, Dilip D’Souza, Dr. Raj Singh, Sanketh, Swati Satpathy, Sangeeta Patni, Vandana Malaiya, Gayathri Viswanathan, all the women profiled, Srivaths, Padmini Misra for the amazing photographs, BITSAA Women’s Council, SWD Staff, Mr. Nasir Memon, Mr. Shashi Warrier, Mythreyee, Kavya, Meena Ramakrishnan, Pushkala Venkataraman, Punita Pandey, Vidya Raman, Anupendra Sharma, Ashish Garg, Sandeep Mukherjee, Nandini Agarwal.

Disclaimer This article and the list of Most Prominent BITSian Women (see next page) was created by the BITSAA Women’s Council. Both sets of data are not meant to be comprehensive in that they do not include the accomplishments of many exemplary BITSian Women. Rather, they provide a snapshot based on the information to us at the time of writing the article.

Around the BITSian World Wide Web

Bees Saal Baad: Return to Pilani. An account of a trip back to

BITS-Pilani after 20 years by Rahul Simha and Sridhar Rajan. Link: http://www.seas.gwu.edu/~simhaweb/misc/pilani/

Help BITS Pilani Get Involved

For more information on BITSAA visit http://www.bitsaa.org

To get involved with various BITSAA initiatives visit http://www.bitsaa.org/volunteer.html

To find out about news, accomplishments etc. of alumni and students and faculty from all campuses, visit: http://sandpaper.bitsaa.org

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Prominent BITSian Women

Name Batch Designation Company Location

Entrepreneurs Chandralekha Bhaskar 66 Director Bhaskar Powers Ltd. Noida, India Rashmi (Mishra) 73 President SunSoft Technologies Inc. Farmington Hills, Upadhyaya MI, USA

Vandana Malaiya 80 Co-Founder EximSoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore, India Punita Pandey 80 CEO and Founder NetCustomer San Jose, CA, USA Sangeeta Patni 81 Country Head and Vice President Extensio Software Inc. Nagpur, India Chandni Sahgal 81 Founder & Managing Proprietor D’Essence Consulting Mumbai, India Anuradha Parthasarathy 83 Founder Global Executive Talent CA, USA

Anita Sakuru 87 CEO and Chairman KenPeople Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad, India Gayathri Viswanathan 91 Founder & MD Maarga Information Systems Chennai, India

Corporate Leaders

V.P. Business Development and Strategic Prabha Shankar 73 Planning Deepak Nitrite Ltd. Pune, India

Shyamolie Banerjee 73 Founder and Trustee BITSAA CA, USA

Renu Muralidharan 77 Head, Corporate Quality & Delivery Datamatics Ltd. Mumbai, India Jamuna Ravi 79 Associate Vice President Infosys Technologies Bangalore, India Anita Gupta 81 Vice President Flextronics Software Delhi, India India Development Center, webMethods Padma Reddy 81 Head Inc Bangalore, India Anu Khendry (Bhatnagar) 83 Assistant Vice President, Quality Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Hyderabad, India Anupama Narayanan Brookins 84 Executive Bank of America NC, USA Parsippany, NJ, Priya Jain 85 VP and Area Manager CH2M HILL USA Phoenix, AZ, Revathi Advathi 86 Vice President/General Manager – IM&C Honeywell International USA Prachi Garg 86 Deputy General Manager VSNL Delhi, India Gita Rao Prasad 87 Senior Manager Synopsys CA, USA Usha V. Subramanian 88 President Ascendum Bangalore, India Akhila Krishnakumar 89 Chief Executive Officer SCT Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd Bangalore, India Singapore, Yashodhara Mishra 89 Vice President IPAC Financial Planning Singapore Lula Mohanty 90 Sector Leader - Electronics IBM Bangalore, India Srividhya Rajesh 90 Fund Manager Sundaram Mutual Mumbai, India Monalisa Sahoo 90 Managing Consultant Qualcomm Mumbai, India

Mythreyee Ganapathy 91 Manager, External research and programs Microsoft Hyderabad, India Anita Agarwal 92 Manager KPMG CA, USA

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Academia Pushpa Bajaj (Late) Professor, Department of Textile IIT Delhi, India Technology Jyoti Mathur 71 Educational Programs Coordinator Computing Research Institute, Purdue West Lafayette, University IN, USA Reena Aggarwal 74 Professor of Finance Georgetown University Washington D.C., USA Padmini Srinivasan 74 Associate Professor The University of Iowa Iowa City, USA Swarnalatha Ashok 77 Associate, Institute of Systems Science National University of Singapore Singapore

Neelam Gupta 82 Assistant Professor University of Arizona Tuscon, AZ, USA Ritu Lohtia 82 Associate Professor of Marketing J Mack Robinson College of Business, Atlanta, USA GSU Lata Narayanan 83 Associate Professor and Undergraduate Concordia University Montreal, Canada Program Director Monica Valluri 83 Assistant Director & Senior Research Kavli Institute of Cosmological Physics, Chicago, IL, USA Associate University of Chicago Swapna Gokhale 89 Assistant Professor, Department of University of Connecticut CT, USA Computer Science and Engg. Public Administration and Social Service Dr. Jasveen Jairath 67 Regional Co-ordinator CapNet South Asia Hyderabad, India Smita A. 80 Director, AIF Education Program American India Foundation Delhi, India Kalpana Nayak 90 Commandant All-woman Battalion, TN Police Chennai, India Chandra Anil 91 Saathi AID Chennai, India Aarthi Rishi 92 Active Volunteer AID CA, USA Anita Balasubramanian 95 Founder The Learning Network in India and IL, USA Sangati Uthra Ramachandran 2001 Project Leader Plan 100, LAHI Lend a Hand Bangalore, India Creative Arts Shanthi Vaidhyanathan 74 Singer (Hindustani Vocal) Delhi, India

Rashmi Datt 80 Author, ‘Managing your Boss’ Gurgaon, India

Anuradha Gupta 86 Writer / Social Worker Stamford, CT, USA Padmini Chettur 87 Choreographer/ Dancer

Anuradha Chhilar 88 Actress/Line producer Chennai, India

Roopa Parameswaran 96 Dancer CA, USA

Divya (Kanika) 99 Actress Chennai, India

Science & Technology Archna Bhandari 80 Principal Engineer Mitretek Systems Vienna, Virginia, USA Kavitha Venkatesan 88 Research Fellow Center for Cancer Systems Biology MA, USA Anu Mookim Bohra 90 Manager –Engineering Cadence Design Systems Noida, India Kanchana Natarajan 94 Instructor M. D. Andersen Cancer Center Houston, TX, USA Vardhini Kirthivas 95 Scientist - Regulatory Affairs Sandoz Mumbai, India Niranjana Nagarajan 96 Post Doctoral Fellow University of California San Diego, CA, USA Mitra Priya Technical Director CSLTech Sangeeta Iyer 99 RF Engineer LCC International Inc. NC, USA

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 31 Nostalgia Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

BY KARTHIK ‘KANA’ NARAYANAN (’01 E&I) LOOKING BACK Four wonderful years at BITS, the years that changed the way that I cry and the way that I think!

flexibilities like electives and faculty, seniors (also known as innovations like Practice School. ragging?!) and juniors that wonderful “FOUR Or the independence expected imbibes the courage to face years at BITS, the years that from students in managing their people of every kind or the changed the way I cry and the resources – time and money. Or favorable sex ratio that enables way I think” – An impacting the concept of departments, understanding complex line from my wingie, clubs, messes and council, emotions of the opposite sex and Raghuraman’s blog that wholly managed by students self (of course, this now seems succinctly conveys the which aid in developing team endangered with the new phenomenon called BITS, Pilani spirit, nurturing innovation and admission system!) …or any of and forms the central theme of sharing. It could be being away the million other reasons. my article. from home in hostels and wings, Whatever it may be, it can be meeting people with myriad summarized by a single fact - BITS, Pilani caters to enhancing both intellectual and emotional intelligence. The former is widely acclaimed but it is the latter that causes more impact. Emotional Intelligence, popularized by Daniel Goleman through his book, is described as a set of five basic emotional and social competencies – • Self- awareness – knowing what we are feeling • Self-regulation – handling our emotions • Motivation – using our deepest preferences to drive us towards our goals • Empathy – sensing what people are feeling • Social skills – handling emotions in relationships well. My wing – miss them a lot. About eight more were away on PS. A look at these competencies Often, I wonder what it is in that backgrounds, understanding and an understanding of the place that transforms the naïve them and coexisting with them. BITS ecosystem is enough for students in their late teens into Or the freedom given to students anybody to conclude that the balanced, responsible and to involve themselves in BITS ecosystem definitely courageous individuals 4-5 years activities of their choice, face contributes to enhancing down the line. And immediately tough situations, differentiate emotional intelligence, a high it seems to be a problem with right from wrong and develop degree of which organizations infinite solutions. It could be the decision making skills. Or the readily welcome. wonderful curriculum with its variety of interaction with

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 32 Nostalgia Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

Another point is that, BITSians those 4 years that seems now a And the story does not end have a sense of sharing and a bygone era” there. What does this highly commitment towards social developed emotional responsibilities (look at BITS No doubt Raghu, intelligence coupled with Tsunami or 30 under 30 award intellectual intelligence do? Yet winner profiles or the BITSian BITS is the again a question with many next to you). phenomenon that answers, but I would like to point out salient ones. Further, we carry so many changes the way BITSians are driven by their nostalgic memories about the we cry and the way passions and continue to impact place that we seek BITSian we think. in technology, business, company wherever we go and it community and every other has, for sure, resulted in well realm in eclectic ways (“Fits ‘networked’ alumni. Sometimes, All this and more - the result of this has also how the place adds to our caused us to be emotional quotient (EQ) which branded as in turn helps in meeting the being too Institute’s expectations of its emotional about graduates to make a mark in any issue their careers; contribute to regarding BITS efforts for development and or BITSians. quality of human life and setting This is the high standards of performance feeling that worthy of emulation by made another successors (adapted from wingie of mine, Degree certificate). Madhu, remark, “Yesterday, I No doubt Raghu, BITS is the accidentally phenomenon that changes the caught sight of way we cry and the way we this one snap think. The snap that sparked Madhu’s comment and I literally broke down. It ♦ BITS”, Sandpaper Fall 2005). seemed brilliant, a pool of Energetic in what we do, this fondness beckoning from the (Thanks to Kaushik, Ravi, also seems to spawn an distance... wanting everyone Raghu, Madhu and Divya for entrepreneurial spirit in many. whoz been there to come back their contributions in shaping again and left cruelly wanting the article.)

Download a PDF version: http://www.bitsaa.org/awards/pdf/30Under30Awards2005.pdf

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BY KARTHIK RAMAN (’95 EEE) AUR EK, AUR EK AND AUR EK Karthik resides in Chicago and blogs at chennaitochicago.blogspot.com.

on this. I guess this is what When I was leaving for comes of living with a BITS, Pilani, everyone told me Government that has had a that I would only need English history of anti-Hindi protests to survive there. That the little and probably still harbors Hindi I had learned as a third illusions about making Tamil language since 5th standard the national language. So when would be more than enough for it came to Hindi bloopers, some ek". My EEE wing was not far "emergency purposes". of the stuff we said and did were behind. Once, we went to grab a Unfortunately, no one legendary. For example, let me bite at ANC (All Night Canteen) remembered to tell this to all the take you to the ‘camel milk’ around midnight. I had ordered dhobis, the raediwalas, the mess incident. A bottle of camel milk masala dosa while my friend workers, rickshaw walas and the was being delivered outside a "mandai" (big head bony body) restaurant owners in the quaint guy's hostel room everyday, had ordered a plain dosa. The little town in the middle of even though he had never asked waiter, under the influence of a nowhere, otherwise called for it. When this routine did not few hundred filterless beedis, Pilani. Consequently, there were stop for a while, he decided to mixed up the orders. So mandai quite a few embarrassing do something about it. So he went up to him and loudly and moments when my Hindi did not kept an alarm for 5 o' clock, clearly said "uska dosa mera keep pace with my thought prompty woke up and waited for paas... mera dosa tera paas". We process. However, my only the milkman. When he heard the still haven't let him forget that consolation was that, however bottle outside his door, he went fateful night. bad my Hindi was, there were out in a huff and, in what he always others who would beat perceived as Hindi, told the Another time, a guy was trying me hands down when it came to milkman he did not want any to negotiate with the jeep wala. making asses of themselves. milk from then on. Mission After some frenetic hand accomplished, he came back and gestures and syllables that could The cool thing about BITS was happily crashed for the rest of have come straight out of the that the best and the brightest the day. Understandably, he was Mayan civilization, he thought from every part of the country quite proud of his achievement, he had struck a great deal. Only came there. However, Tamil and strutted around the next day to be told by his friends later Nadu and Andhra Pradesh throwing some "saalas" and that he had managed to negotiate accounted for the majority "arre yaars" for good effect. This 250 rupees for the trip when the presence there so much so that lasted all but one day. The next driver had been perfectly happy Pilani came to be represented in morning, he got up, came out of with 150. Turned out he was a our state maps (Actually, I once his room only to find two bottles little confused about "daed" and saw a post card delivered of camel milk, instead of one. "daayi". I'm still hopeful that wrongly to my hostel by a someday, the genetic dyslexic postman who misread Yet another incident: a friend inconsistency that is solely Palani, the temple town. But I'm went to the coop buy a few responsible for the 'Tamil and digressing here!). But what notebooks. He needed 15, but Hindi are mutually exclusive' bothered me so much was that could only count till 10 in Hindi. syndrome would be corrected as while almost everyone, So, he told the shopkeeper he a result of inter-cultural irrespective of what state they needed "dus notebooks ji" and marriages and more Hindi hailed from, could speak fluent patiently waited for them to movies starring Rajni Kanth. Hindi, the “shady characters” arrive. When the shopkeeper ♦ that went from Tamil Nadu brought them to him, he came alone couldn't speak a coherent up with this master stroke - "aur sentence if our lives depended ek, aur ek, aur ek, aur ek and aur

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CampusNotes

BY SUKANYA V [’02 CIVIL] AND VERNON FERNANDEZ [’04 EEE] WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THE ENGLISH PRESS CLUB APOGEE 2006 A round-up of the major events that were a part of this year’s APOGEE.

software major Wipro and APOGEE 2006 The Infosys Inaug inspirting speech given by complete the the Chief Guest, M.S.Ananth, list. Wipro Director, IIT Madras. The sponsored speech, studded with amusing Cyberfiesta for anecdotes and deep insights, Rs. 30,000 managed to entertain and while Infosys enlighten the audience at the sposored the same time. His views on Computer education, in general, and Science student-teacher interactions in Association particular, were thought events for Rs. MS Ananth, Director, IIT Madras inaugurating provoking and brought a restless 25,000. APOGEE 06 and fickle audience to some stability. APOGEE had some market by having booths for the capitals of different countries Sponsorship generated is around big corporate tags (Delhi, New York, European Rs. 3.65 lakh this year. and sponsors this Union, London and Japan). At ALTERA, a leading the start of the game, all teams manufacturer of programmable time. Sponsorship were given an initial fund of 2 logic devices, agreed to be the generated is lakh INR equivalent each in five title sponsor for Apogee-2k6 around Rs. 3.65 different currencies (Rupee, and Apogee-2k7 for an amount Pound, Yen, Dollar, Euro) of Rs. 2.7 lakh (Rs. 2.35lakh- lakh this year. making it a total of 10 lakh INR. sponsorship amount, Rs. 35,000- Each round was preceded by a prize sponsor) each year. They OVER HEAD small bit of news which would plan to hold a nation-wide have affected the currency rates. design contest called TRANSMISSION The participants were allowed to INNOVATE which is going to The first big Audi event of trade one currency for another be held during Apogee-2k7. APOGEE 2006, Overhead and thereby attempt to increase INNOVATE is a nation wide Transmission (OHT) started off their total holding as the multi-disciplinary engineering at 7.45pm.Turnout was currency rates fluctuated. Arun, design contest open to all impressive: 130+ teams Prashant and Vikram from graduate and under-graduate including 20 outstation teams. It BITS won the event. students. It not only tests the is worth noting that after a gap designing capabilities but also of few years ELAS managed the VLSI DESIGN the market value of the product event. The Quizmaster was designed. With the winning Anustup Dutta. The winners CONTEST team getting two laptops and a were a team named the It was time for the nerds to rack fully paid trip to an embedded “Stalwarts of BITS”. their brains at the VLSI Design systems design conference to be Contest organized by the EEE held at San José, CA in April FOREX association. The participants 2007, it ought to boost were asked to solve a mixture of FOREX – a game conducted by participation levels during design problems and answer a ECO-FIN assoc on the first day Apogee-2k7. Keane sponsored few objective questions related started on time. The game tried the holy grail of all quizzes in to Digital VLSI in a time limit to simulate the actual currency BITS –BOB, OHT, et al.. The of half an hour. The questions

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CampusNotes were set by Mr. Ninad Kothari and Ms. Shipra Bahl. The organizers said that they had followed a campus interview style in setting the elims paper. Though initially announced that 8 teams would qualify for the finals, they ended up taking 11. The finalists consisted of 8 BITSian teams and 3 Outsti teams. In the Oysters Lab they were asked to simulate and synthesize one design problem in HDL. The participants were evaluated on their approach to the problem, coding skills in Dance Club – adding colour to Mithali HDL, synthesis and viva. watch the show. “Radha kaise na jaale,” Madhusudhan Sardha and “MumBhai,” a medley Bharadwaj emerged as the The CCTV presentation for consisting of a song from winners, followed by Harshit Mithali had brilliant animation “Bluffmaster,” and two Janet and Abina. as usual. Music club’s first piece Jackson songs, they ended the was an instrumental fusion with show with the song MITHALI a nice blend of western and “Chandralekha.” All the dances A confluence of creativity, classical music. Popular had new concepts with well- coherence, imagination and numbers from movies like Dil choreographed steps and props talent, Mithali- 2006 was a huge Se, Bunty Aur Babli, Taal were used for certain dances. hit with all the three clubs, received good response. A Overall, Mithali managed to Music, Dance and Mime putting brilliant co-ordination and meet the expectations of their best feet forward. The scintillating performance from everyone. evening was an expression of the Music Club marked the brilliance, inspiration, beginning for the night, which CYBERFIESTA confidence and perfection. An only seemed to be getting better. “Unveiling potential“seems to overflowing audi perfectly The mime club’s performance be the catchphrase this summarizes the show. People started with a small presentation APOGEE and CYBERFIESTA fought for places inside and about a school reunion plan. 2k6 -an event conducted by the when the stairs and entrances Dance club put up a dazzling department of PEP was a strong were also crowded, the rest of show with four dances. They testimony to this. Apart from them had to retract to FD-2 QT danced brilliantly to numbers the one-hour delay and a poor to like turnout, the audience did witness a few brilliant projects. The competition had 7 entries including an outstation one. First year enthu was very much evident from the fact that a few projects were entirely conceived by them. Take for instance the VIA VOICE-which would go a long way in helping visually impaired people control a computer. In fact this would also aid a person in controlling the computer while eating or The winning entry at Robosoccer, conducted by EEE driving. Another project worth Assoc, APOGEE 06 mentioning is the MACINTOSH

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CampusNotes

OS X TIGER ON AN X86 PC The stage had cartoon characters round, connect round and rapid (oops that’s what it’s called!!!! ) like Garfield, Tweety and fire round, which brought the which runs faster than Windows Mickey Mouse – structures proceedings to an end. A special on any hardware with only made by the department of round of applause goes to the generic drivers. GARBAGE backstage- and PAP put up an quiz master Akshaya V L who COLLECTOR for .NET was a awesome, colourful backdrop was very professional in novel attempt- can be used to having Winnie the Pooh and conducting the event. In the end implement garbage collection friends. As the Audi plunged Aashish Rao and Rahul algorithm in the .net into darkness, Jay walked in, to Bharadwaj of MGR college, environment. The MAVERAK the tune of his favourite song Chennai finished first, closely AV PLAYER was simply “Hallowed be thy name”. followed by Ashok Prasad and outstanding!! It boasts of in- Ayshwarya Subramanyam of built functions like lyrics C.B.K maintained his lead. BITS. synchronizer, mood mode Aravind did not do enough. recognizer and Hindi mode Gamophilic operation. CRYPT MAIL, The Trophy: This time around, “Stick together team!” rang the SOURCE CODE ELAS had a few innovative call on the headphones. The PLAGIARIUM and HIDE N ideas for going about their enthusiasm was high and the SEEK.JPG were other events, one of them being the tension rang even higher during innovative projects. The event revival of the acclaimed BOB the latter phase of the gaming was judged by a panel of three trophy. The old plaster model of event, Gamophilic. Over 50 judges. The results were on the clock tower (which was teams took part in the expected lines. Karthik incidentally never returned by preliminary round, which were Ramgopal-a first year BOB '99, K.L. Arvind, after he followed by pre-quarters, compsciite (MACINTOSH OS won it) has been replaced by a quarters, semis and a final X TIGER ON AN X86 PC) glimmering 23" silver coated round. The winners of the event walked away with the first prize. trophy. It has the words "In were The Cannibals: Ishan The second place went to Yuvraj terminus, Illic est uno" inscribed (havoc) Bhanu, Tarun Michael Patel (GARBAGE on one of the faces of the Johnson (tnt) , Vishwajit COLLECTOR FOR .NET.) octagonal base - meaning "In the Gaikwad (aka serpent) and end, there can be just one", Vivek Krishnan, who shall be BRAIN OF BITS rightfully so. Also inscribed is a winning original Counter-Strike An amazing response from the list of BOB’s starting from 1985 CDs along with the prize junta left the organizer(ELAS) right up to 2005. money. stunned- nearly 600 answer sheets were distributed, Stimuli MyIndia Quiz unprecedented in the history of Stimuli, the biology trivia The much-feted India Quiz was the event. The previous BOB conducted by B1, was a treat for hosted by final year students Jayendran Srinivasan was all the bio enthusiasts. The quiz Renju John and Kavitha introduced with all his consisted of a written elims, Karthikeyan, the event was previously unknown credentials followed by the finals for the sponsored by the BITSunami being revealed to an enthralled selected six teams. The programme. The team named audience questions in the finals were well THE FINAL CUT comprising set. The Rachit Parekh, R Vijay and finals was Jayendran Srinivasan from BITS spread over Pilani winning. The team WHO four rounds MOVED MY QUIZ? consisting which of Arun Sethuraman, C B included Krishna and Vernon Fernandez the typical came second. finite ♦ bound

round, audio OHT Winners with the Jedi Master, the event visual mascot

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CampusNotes

BY RISHI SINHA (95A7) THE IMPORTANCE OF A CONSCIOUS ACADEMIC CULTURE In March 2006, the author visited BITS Pilani’s Goa campus to present the material of this article to students and faculty members, urging the students to consciously mold the academic culture that is in the process of being born on that new campus.

guide all of that communication the paths taken. If you wonder with a few simple principles. what electrical engineers really college EVERY Below, I propose these "few do, get in touch with a dozen of campus has a unique student simple principles," but the all- them at various stages in their culture of tackling the important essence of my careers. If you wonder what curriculum and approaching message has been stated above: technological pursuits are career prospects. Common consciously guide academic currently important, visit the wisdom, rules of thumb, and culture. This means when websites of journals and survival strategies are passed students talk amongst technology companies. Find down through generations of themselves about courses and publications in your discipline students and alumni. This careers, they ensure they say that are tailored for the culture, though loosely defined, things that agree with the "few Bachelor's level of knowledge. strongly influences every simple principles" they have The idea is to seek context student's work ethic, approach to chosen to adopt. Principles rather than just tips. Finding out academia and career choices. guide communication; what alumni have done and what (This academic culture is communication creates culture; they plan to do is more distinct from the culture of culture affects actions. important than asking them how extra-curricular and social to do something. Ask open- activities, though there are The three simple principles that ended questions rather than mutual interactions.) I think BITSians' academic pointed tactical questions that culture should be based on: limit the information you Most culture is unconsciously context-awareness, retention of receive. Every graduating developed. A high level of self- learning, and excellence. BISTian should have a good fulfillment among all students understanding of the can be achieved when they CONTEXT- technologist’s role, and the only consciously guide and cultivate way to do this is by the academic culture on their AWARENESS continuously absorbing details campus. When academic This is the principle that the of what other technologists are activities are guided by a culture student should seek answers to doing. rooted in a well-chosen the following questions. Why philosophy, those activities will am I doing this? What role(s) be well-informed and well- am I being prepared for? What RETENTION OF directed. can I do next? What are my LEARNING predecessors doing? Following This is the principle that the I suggest that each BITS campus this principle means relentlessly student should retain what he adopt this conscious approach to seeking information from your learnt in BITS at least till the its academic culture: realize that predecessors—even those just end of BITS. I don't intend this every bit of inter-student one step ahead of you. If you to be the gargantuan task that it communication about education wonder what people do after sounds like. The key is to and careers constitutes the BITS, gather as many alumni imagine you are a plumber, an campus' academic culture, and profiles as you can find and note

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CampusNotes assertion that no doubt requires notes are important to retain, particular semester or a single some explanation. because they will recreate your research project. Not every mental context later if and when student will graduate with a high An intensive, immersive you need to apply those CGPA, but every student must education such that provided by techniques. As it stands, there achieve the goal of excellence in BITS is chaotic, and I don't say are many courses (mostly non- one or two target zones. Third, that disparagingly. Most test CDCs) that most of us don't an emphasis on excellence is preparation is a race against consciously retain anything useful for the same reason that time, some tests are cleared by from. Therefore, consciously inspirational posters are the skin of the teeth, and facts retaining even one non-trivial useful—explicitly stating a goal memorized for one test are soon technique or concept from each helps the mind focus on it, lost in the jumble of other tests. such course would be an though it may be an obvious That is the nature of a improvement. How much is goal. demanding professional retained from each course is education. It is no wonder that entirely up to the individual. The The motivation for urging a graduating BITSians often essential idea is to change a conscious cultivation of wonder how they could be course from a chaotic memory academic culture based on these regarded as trained and qualified to an ordered checklist, and to three principles goes beyond the engineers against the be able to resurrect your mental desire to improve on what we background of the extended context for the items on the are already doing. The deeper chaos that they call their formal checklist. motivation is to do different education: the 4 a.m. ghoting, things than we have done purging the brain after each EXCELLENCE before, and, of course, to do compre, all the randomness The pursuit of excellence is a them well. A BITS education involved in getting test answers well-understood principle in enables us for diverse careers in right. In contrast, our confidence BITS. All students recognize natural and social sciences, in other tool-wielders like that their CGPA is the externally technology and business. When plumbers and mechanics is visible sign of achievement and we have enough context- much higher, regardless of their try hard to keep their numbers awareness to fully realize our level of experience. We believe up. Nevertheless, there are three role as trained technologists, and in the clean mental equation reasons it is necessary to we have absorbed our training Plumbing Problem + Plumber = consciously feed the principle of methodically so that we retain it Plumbing Solution. While we do excellence into the academic and confidently bring it to bear not need this clarity of our own culture. First, it emphasizes on a problem at a moment’s ability to succeed, it does make actual test marks. Too often, a notice, then we can apply it easier for us to excel. course’s reputation as a “low- ourselves to diverse fields that average” course turns out to be a we previously did not consider. The key to successful retention self-fulfilling prophecy. The If, at the end of BITS, you can of learning (and clarity of ideal academic culture prevents pull out a scroll with a simple ability) is to extract order from such mental barriers from being and functional summary of the the chaotic college experience. reinforced. An emphasis on test academic knowledge you have This changes a course from marks automatically emphasizes acquired, have a good being a dim memory of many CGPA, and certainly goes understanding of what people complicated little things to a beyond it. Second, a conscious outside BITS are doing with that clear list of a few essential emphasis on excellence opens knowledge, and have skills. Furthermore, you don't students’ eyes to areas of distinguished yourself in your even have to carry these few excellence other than the chosen test of excellence, you skills in your head. Successful CGPA—a useful effect, since will be ready to fulfill yourself retention consists of identifying large numbers of students who as a true technologist. A the key concepts and techniques are unable to break through to conscious academic culture is taught in a course, learning them the high end of the CGPA scale essential to support this process. in the classroom, documenting tend to unconsciously give up on Incorporating such a culture into them in a cheat sheet, and the goal of excellence. a student body and then retaining the books and notes Excellence can be achieved in a perpetuating it is a challenging pertaining to those particular particular group of courses, a social exercise that I hope will topics. Books and your own

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CampusNotes stimulate some eager BITSian a software engineer with IBM Press Club and the Sandpaper students. Global Services, Pune. He team. In his spare time he ♦ graduated with a B.E.(Hons) in explores sunny Southern Rishi Sinha is a doctoral student Computer Science from BITS in California and obsesses over in computer science at the 1999. At BITS, he was Chief mid-20th-century Americana. University of Southern Editor of Cactus Flower (1998) California. Prior to this he was and a member of the English

and the fact Pilani is the best are being shared by both the BY KRITHIKA KALYAN (‘00) darn place on mother earth, boys and the girls, a thought MORE ON BITS, but you gotta admit - which was inconceivable at Spending four or five of your Pilani, much to the agony of PILANI, GOA. impressionable years at Goa some! While the 2004 batch is a temptation for anyone! girls occupy GH1 and GH2, A while back, when the threat all the girls in the 2005 batch of my impending quarter life After passing through a score stay in GH3, which has been crisis was not looming ever of industrial plants and partitioned in order to have so closer, and when I was not regional hubs of multinational the boys use the rest of the one more trip shy of electronic giants, we reached building. The curfew hours becoming a non-resident campus. have now been set at 11 p.m, Goan, I along with my then- after a briefly being as 10 p.m boss (also a BITSian) and his Being a Sunday, there were initially. The hostels have family managed to purposely very few prowling the class their own separate wardens, got lost on our way back to rooms. I later dug up hostel superintendents and the holiday resort, where the information to discover that assistants. One of the girls rest of the office folks were the first set of students from the 2005 batch, Lita Das camped, and quickly found belonged to the 2004 batch. says that they share a ourselves on NH-17. We had It is hence of little surprise wonderful rapport with their carefully planned and now that there seemed to be wardens, thanks to their included a trip to the Goa so few in the main building frequent meetings in their campus in the itinerary, even and on campus as such, common rooms. They also though it meant we would considering we had visited manage to have share an have to endure a grim the campus in November amazing bond amidst morning-after scenario. (In 2004. I got across to a couple themselves, not only by virtue case I had not made myself of students through email and of the combined ghotting clear yet, it was GOA! It was they filled me up with some routines to cope with the an all expenses paid trip and more tidbits This batch academic rigor, but also due it was a Sunday morning!) apparently has more than to enthu sessions such as the The last day at Pilani having 550 students and what is inter hostel events. They passed just a few months heartening is that 40% of this have their own cultural and back for me, I could still number, are girls. (232 out of sports representatives for distinctly remember the last 564 to be exact). The number their hostels who put together nasty bump on the Pilani- of girls in the 2005 batch has such fun events, which find Delhi road which made me seen a dip with the ratio very active participants! The and the rest of the bus exhibit standing at 466:75. girls just wanna have fun, I some gravity defying stunts guess! They have not exactly of our own. “I might have The hostels which face the being outdone by the boys passed out a few years back, campus building houses the when it comes to acads but I still know what you are students based on the batch. either. The girls have also talking about”, my boss The nomenclature followed been burning up the mercury declared and both of us for naming the hostels has on the CGPA scales too with collectively sighed at the not exactly been inspired by a couple of them being 10 thought of the younglings pre-historic god-men, The pointers (gulp!). having it nice and easy these girls hostels are simply called days – I mean, come on, GH1, GH2 and GH3. In fact, Aalap Tripathy, a 2004 batch leave alone the smooth ride the walls of one of the hostels student claims that not only

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CampusNotes the girls, the entire legion of There is a Council for I recently read an article, students at the Goa campus Student Affairs, the elections which elaborated on another has been having a rollickin’ for which were conducted acronym doing the rounds to good time. They recently online at the beginning of the blatantly bracket people. hosted Waves 2006, the academic year in August. Close on the heels of annual cultural event at the The polling software was Yuppies (Young Urban BITS-Pilani, Goa Campus, indigenously developed and Professionals) and Dinkies which attracted the energetic implemented by Aalap and (Double Income No Kids participation of.several local the other students Yet), there are the TIREDs colleges, in a host of events themselves, which is quite a (Thirty Something such as Dumbcharades, commendable achievement Independent Radical Debate, Antakshari, Quiz, since the campus currently Educated Dropouts). It several song and dance has only 1st and 2nd appears that there are quite a competitions and even Mr. & yearites! Besides the few who have turned their Miss WAVES 2006. Next President of the Student backs on a seven figure year, the students intend to Body, there are various posts salary, taken the plunge into make it even bigger by catering to definite functions doing something on their own inviting colleges from far and such as Vice President, and retreated to Goa to fish wide. Besides WAVES, the General Secretary, Treasury or write or sell flowery shirts campus also comes together etc. There are a host of etc etc. My plan is much for Zephyr 2006 (the wind hostel representative elected more workable, I think! I don’t before the waves – an Intra to posts like Mess, Sports, want to reveal all the details College event) and intra Cultural, maintenance and yet – but let me give you a hostel sports events. utilities. It is also interesting hint – It involves the letters P- Occasions such as regional to note that there are h-D and of course the BITS- new years, Dussehera, students working on drafting Pilani, Goa, Campus! Ganesh Chaturdhi etc also and finalizing the functioning have a lot of festivities of a constitution called ♦ attached to them Constitution Making Body (CMB). Student participation in governance is also intense. VISHUB The BITSian Start-up Focused on Wedding-Consulting Rajesh Butta (’86) and his wife, based in New Delhi, have started a wedding consulting firm. It might be of particular interest to other fellow BITSians who are eligible bachelors in or outside India or have children in that age group. Read on… Matrimonial alliance is an issue that touches everyone’s life. Atleast for us Indians, marriage is the 3rd most important event in life after birth and death. While birth and death is not under our control, marriage is a decision one needs to take in life. Most people would want it to be a once in a lifetime decision. But in today’s times there are new and varied challenges that confront a family that is on the look out for a suitable life partner for a daughter or son. The pushes and pulls of modern living have resulted into families being unable to devote enough time to the planning of the search process for a suitable alliance. Society is getting fragmented with limited socialization within the communities. Globalization has resulted into high mobility, especially amongst the bachelors/spinsters. Individual aspirations have scaled up and finding a suitable life-partner is a complex requirement today.

What is Vishubh all about? We are a services organization, headed by a BITS-Pilani management graduate, providing services for a range of wedding management and matrimonial services. These are clearly two areas, one is finding suitable match and once the match is settled, organizing the whole wedding like any project would get executed….

For more information, please E-mail: [email protected]. You could also contact Rajesh Butta at [email protected].

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 41 Creative & Humor Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

COMPILED BY ANURADHA GUPTA (86A6) BEHIND THE SCENES Behind the Scenes is a serious look at how the dedicated, solemn Sandpaper team operates. The team that toils around the clock to put together the BITS Pilani alumni magazine…

positive affirmation to reverse women are definitely making AND this is the first of discrimination to fair treatment womanhood inspirational, many exchanges that you will be to, well, the mind boggles. hahaha), I am delighted and privy to, issue after issue…that It can be thought-provoking, honored... And you have the will bolster your confidence in emotional, can even stimulate right to unsubscribe from the the team and its functioning… readership...and that makes it Sandpaper group. Click here... tempting but is it a Pandora's www.what-a-mad-bunch.com It was a dark and stormy Box and can we make sure we night. This is what transpired in keep it dignified and not *Anupendra: And I actually an exchange on a proposal to sensationalize it in any manner, clicked on it. start a new series on successful I don't know and would like to BITSian women. If it is any have more views, *Dilip: Might look better out of consolation, the entire Editorial Let’s brainstorm that... it. I don't know. Or the halter top Team, Anupendra, Anuradha, might look better off Dilip D’Souza, the Chief editor, (Sandeep, of course took the Anupendra. I don't know. Sandeep, and one of the most most relevant extract from creative writers, Sagarika were Anupendra’s message, the *Dilip: Reword the series to not involved (in the discussion, that beginning of the end, the fall of make it sound like women is. Please do not read b’tween an empire, while Rome was coping…that’s how I would the lines). And it all happened burning, Nero was playing prefer it if I were a BITSian between the wee hours of April chess…) woman and maybe I am… 20th and 25th… *Sandeep : Hi Anupendra, *Anuradha: Precisely, we *Anupendra: I think it is time This is splendid news. Why could reword/reposition it...right for a series called I am a didn't you tell us? Did you have now I am coping with all these BITSian Woman that talks about surgery or was this some other new BITSian women, (successful/inspiring) women more exotic medical procedure. sigh...Dilip, et tu? from different spheres. In any case, I really am very happy for you. *Sagarika: You guys are funny, (somewhere in the discussion, funny!! I can't help but respond. the word ’coping’ crept in and What does your wife have to say Sandeep, you certainly opened a here’s the very serious about this? And, might I add, can of juicy worms here ;) discussion that ensued on you would look simply stunning Personally, I too (like Anu) feel repositioning the article to in a halter top! the same way Dilip says he'd eliminate it…) feel if he were a Bitsian woman Anupendra Sharma wrote: and someone posed that *Anuradha: How do we I AM A BITSIAN WOMAN question to him (coping). I think position the article (away from its way more challenging coping coping) - the topic is simmering *Anupendra: Hey Anu - you with being a guy...Now that on the surface and does generate are rubbing off! Our usually warrants a series! First, guys a lot of interest, it is serious chief editor is killing me have to understand their own controversial and has a number with her (sic) funnies.... selves (they spend a good chunk of issues associated with it, from of their teens and 20s doing the Summers controversy to *Anuradha: If I am inspiring exactly that; and soon after, they role-expectations and this serious biz of humor in have this brobdingnagian task of definitions to gender-bias, to anyway (and of course we the- understanding the women in

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 42 Creative & Humor Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine their lives (not that they don't currently provides but we are have this issue pop up earlier in working on that. And Dilip, I am *Dilip: Anu, you said: their lives, but they're supremely dying to quote just one sentence > We all can bare-ly wait ... with focused on the first-things-first (half a sentence actually – bad breath to see - what next... mantra (read "it's all about me" - Where can I get some) from My sympathies to you all then. - a school of thought that your email, forward it to your Use Pepsodent, works well for shockingly backfires later on in wife, create some discord and me. life)! So they go about spending pose this question, why do you And Sagarika said: their 30s and 40s soulfully ask this of the Sandp team… > Although women normally engaged in this Catch-22 type could care less about male endeavor (it's bad if you *Sagarika: Thanks for the underwear understand women and worse if rescue line, Anu. I owe you > ... Let's strip the D'Souza you don't). My, my, now that's one. ;) And Dilip...You!!! You household. coping hell to me...Thoughts?? almost made my heart skip a Please don't do that! The PS: Just my attempt at beat...I mean, I frantically went underwear might give us away. perpetuating this humor string, back to my original email *Sagarika: Dilip, you're such a guys. Thanks chief!! ;) scrambling through it, sweaty- crack up!! It sure is fun to see browed and all, wondering how your lighter side (yeah, that's *Sandeep: Hey! Don't blame on earth my built-in spell what you see when someone me. All I want to see is checker (grammar checker or strips down to their underwear) Anupendra in a halter top. And sense checker, call it what you having been exposed to your Dilip I gather wants to see him will), which never usually lets more serious side all along. out of it. :-)). Anupendra's going me down, fared so badly at this SandP bunch, hope the rest of to call HR for harassment... wait one instance -- "underwear" y'all are hanging in there a minute! We don't have any when I was intending enjoying the (virtual) strip show. HR! Yippee! "endeavor"...what was I

thinking??? And when I actually *Anuradha: Sagarika, we shall *Dilip: Sagarika said: read my email and saw "..Catch- have to conclude, put everything > So they go about spending 22 endeavor..." I almost grew together, wrap up... their 30s and 40s deaf (yeah, I did heave a BITSian guys (we have a pretty > soulfully engaged in this deafening sigh of relief!). Yes, extensive, representative Catch-22 type underwear ... what were YOU thinking?!! In sample) aspire to be BITSian

other words, you got me there women, Hey, what's Catch-22 type for a second...YOU!! Wait wear Catch-22 Underwear and underwear? And where can I get till we get to meet use Pepsodent. some, it sounds very intriguing, someday...Some heavy This is definite material to start especially if guys are getting strangulation is in order. :) off the series, "On being a engaged wearing it. Aren't we at SandP a zany BITSian guy." Question though, what about the bunch or what?! And yeah, Anu, guys who get engaged in their do remember to satiate the *Anupendra:The final word 20s? naughty word twister's wife's Here is the photo for the article

curiosity...Although women (its me and Dilip). And that's all *Anuradha: People (I shall not normally could care less about I have to say about that. The say ladies or laddies lest there male underwear (contrary to the End. are those who wish to prove other way around factoid), this themselves in any manner)...the instance may in fact be the *Sandeep: Sign me up!! plot thickens... We all can bare- world's only exception ;) Let's Any prudes lurking around this ly wait ... with bated breath to stir up the D'Souza household.. group are probably calling the see - what next... The saga of Diro as we speak. By the time There may be those of you mystique/intrigue/heavy this thread is over, our team will (Sandpaper team) who might be plotting/warped thinking be down to a few BITSian hunting for an unsubscribe continues...Only at SandP women and a few aspiring to option or HR and it has been Yahoogroups. (Hey, a great this enlightened state. So what is proved that there are none...:)-. tagline to recruit new members, Catch-22 underwear? (And the Blocking emails continues to be don't ya think???). ☺ picture)… an option that Microsoft

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 43 Creative & Humor Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

I have ONLY); 2. BITS now has a to tell uniform (I need not elaborate on you that, Sandeep, return to not to campus and thy questions shall clean be answered);3. The only guys out the allowed on campus are ex- wax in BITSians (so if you are a guy my ear and catch yourself on campus in you have PASSED OUT, public, remember that) eh? Now the tech team has the following challenge - a team photograph... Dilip & Anupendra – Key members of the Sandpaper Editorial Good luck. :)- Board. Sandpaper’s in great hands folks! Excellent! This is the picture *Anuradha: This photograph *Dilip: Anu pointed out: we'll use on next issue's cover. shall go down in history and you > if you are a guy and catch "Mein BITSian woman banna all must save it for posterity as yourself on campus you have chahtee hoon!" the BITSAA/Sandpaper logo PASSED OUT, remember that) (Mktg directive) and this shall I seem to recall being in that Dilip: Anupendra, you silly be thy wallpaper - and Sandeep, state for most of my years on fellow: if it is not on the cover/part of campus, actually... > Here is the photo for the the cover story you shall face a article (it’s me and Dilip). coup... And luckily (for you), we Now everyone knows I have Diro incidentally has issued the passed on to the more mundane grey hair! However, I gotta say, following directive...1. BITS is matters of the magazine. you're wearing your halter top now BITS-M (M - ♦ wrong. And how many times do maiden/mahilayen ke liye

ANTARA BHATTACHARYA (96A6) Of Preferences In Vain in my getaway with you, i even dream of rain . . . although i myself prefer a sunny day but prefer you over the sun even sunny california or fornicating in a bath tub tumbling down a snowy slope or mud-slinging, bitching sessions, over beer, girls, mobikes, magazines, and guns . . . rain over sun if only you came

I always prefer the rain mingled with the sense of soil trollish dark trees looming on a road I speed by. Coffee, smokes, poirot and snow a world shrouded in white late nights and later morns while the rats they scuttle aside

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 44 Creative & Humor Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

BY ARUN MAHARAJAN (’99 INSTRU) A DREAM TO TOUCH – A SHORT STORY Right now, the only thing separating the two was a couple of inches of sand...off the coast...the waves did not quite manage to reach their footprints left by their bare toes...

left by their bare wind in their THE toes... but faces... they could detect a faint then it was trace of salt in the sea trying air...lovely in its flavour... really hard especially at this time of the imploring night. The stars were out... the moon individually nothing but specks to wax of dust among the infinite black. further... Yet, together a complex work of the waves, art capable of inspiring periodic in imagination personal to each as its well as giving a chance to voice...and collectively ponder on certain yet abstract things... and ponder they did. in its path. Not very Both of them... they were much meeting after a while... quite a unlike the few years later to be vaguely both of precise. Old school mates... they them... they weaved their own Her hair was billowing about in shared the same bench... went to paths along their lives... yet, the breeze... hiding her eyes... the same classes... they used to they thought along the same she sounded stable... he thought give each other company during wavelength... they resonated he heard a faint sob... he looked their morning jog... the exercise well together. They were... the out into the horizon... nothing did them good... as did each best of friends. but an infinite slit among the others company. They never darkness. He was thinking used to speak much... but merely The moon came out from behind now... the horizon seemed to enjoyed each other’s company. a cloud at this moment... sudden broaden his own thoughts... Both of them never needed to dark shadows traced their way say much to talk to each other... behind their backs and just "Hmmm...I think you should try unlike others, they could managed to kiss their car... soft harder...its not as easy as it understand each other quite well music playing... sounds but you got to give it a without much to carry the decent shot. Think back now, message. Think it’s called a "Hey...I think you should not from what happened between semantic gap... what the hell worry about this too much!" said you two...do you think it was that? he... happened out of chance or were you able to see it coming?" Right now, the only thing "But how can I not? This is too "Well...I...I don't know!! The separating the two was a couple tough a thing to endure... it’s not first time I was taken by surprise of inches of sand... off the happening for the first time at the way he reacted...but the coast... the waves did not quite too... what is wrong with me?" second time...hmmm...no, I was manage to reach their footprints still surprised!"

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 45 Creative & Humor Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

aura...blunt nose, slightly curved life with our loved ones...that "That might mean that you are lips, long hair flopping over his deepens the feeling and still the same person...now this eyes, dark skin...but he looked a prepares you for the future. Its might not be true but why is he little tired now. The lines around only a matter of time until you seeing you in a different light his eyes were a little deeper...of can realise this...I hope you can now? Did you do anything course, he had a job now...he do so sooner than later... " which changed things between always seemed to work least and you two?" yet achieve the most in school. She gripped his arm tighter No wonder he breezed through now...a cold wind just ran across "No...nothing which can’t be the exams and went on a the empty beach...he did not classified as daily eccentricities. scholarship for his studies to the flinch. Rock steady...as he has Infact, its one of the things that best college in the country. She always been...she realised the he likes about me...I really am thought she was always the meaning of his words...thought lost now. I did not see us dumb one...how much he used about it for a while... arguing like this...it to help her with her studies...all was...horrible. I felt like killing the times during which he "You know what...it still amazes myself after that..." patiently sat with her under that me how you say the right things banyan tree in their school at the right time. I...I have been He put an arm around her yard...all the times when he still living in a dream world all this shivering shoulders...her hair managed to help her while he while...I think I can see it now..." brushed his face... was back in town on holiday...it was almost like she did not need "Do you love him?" "Hey...hey...relax. It’s ok...how to ask him for his help...he just many years have you two been is there for her. She smiled in "Yes...yes..." together...almost 3 years right! spite of her hurt...she inched a It’s time which is the enemy little closer and leaned onto his "Then just pack your bags, get here...for the 3 years, have you shoulder... back on that train and go back. ever felt a need to change the Surprise him the way you plane of your relationship? Did He continued staring out onto surprised me by landing up you need that to carry on?" the ocean...he saw a single ship without any announcement. sailing west...the moon ducked Believe me, if he is anywhere "No...We pretty much have the back behind a cloud now close to having a level head on same fire or whatever you call it throwing the entire beach into his shoulders, he would have between us...but there is darkness. realised what he just let something else now...is it caused go...Believe me, any guy...any due to our familiarity with each "I think this is part of the guy...who has spent time with other? Damn...I don't feel any process of a relationship...there you would want you...would different towards him now than I is little meaning in a want you back!!...... " felt that day when I told you relationship if you live in a about how I love him...I still dream world all the time. She was expecting him to remember that day so Sometimes we have to come continue with what he was clearly...you had come to town down to earth and experience saying...but he did not...the ship for your final semester holidays in the horizon was almost and I called you as soon as you beyond its edge now...the wind landed. Poor you…I am so sorry let down its enthusiasm...it was for not giving you much time to warmer...she felt warm inside. get settled...But I had to tell this She looked up at the stars...then to someone...and I could think of at his still profile...she thanked only you at that time!" all the stars above thinking how lucky she is to have him as her His reply was slow... friend. He is always a pillar of measured... supporting... support during hard times and is "Of course...anytime..." always happy for her when good times pass by. She remembered She turned to look at him the happiest day of her life. The now...his face still had its old same day she recalled a while

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car...he went up to him as soon as he met her...how the shore to pick he had to endure the pain inside up their slippers and yet appear normal...how he which the waves managed to do one hell of a job managed to reach acting like he was happy for now...he picked her...how he muttered some them up and stood reason and rushed off into the still for a dark cold night...how he almost second...breathing felt like killing himself...how in the night much he cried...how he came to air...he always this exact spot and remained liked this spot. He here throughout the night...how used to come here much he sacrificed... how much whenever he he cried...how much torture he ago...she proposed to her lover needed to think...or reflect...or had to go through to go back to the day before...and he accepted! ponder...or just whenever he being her friend...how well he After she told him about her needed not to think about did one hell of a job of that as new found love, he was so anything. The peace that this well... how much he cried...how happy at hearing the place afforded him was he is still acting in patches...how news...although he couldn't stay invaluable...especially he is still unable to stop feeling for long...it was her fault for considering that he has been for her...how he is still shedding rushing him into the news before visiting this spot quite often in a tear each day for her...how he he was settled down...he had to the last 3 years... is still in love with her. run to meet an uncle of his! She remembered wishing that he The moon came out from behind He looked back...there she stayed longer... the clouds...it was almost a full was...her dress tracing out her moon. The moon is quite divine form in the "Thanks a lot!" intriguing...you think you know moonlight...her hair shining like He just nodded his head...as it well...after all, you have been a silver cascade flowing along always...a man of few but seeing it since you were a kid. her back...her eyes shining now valuable words. But there is always the dark with glee at what’s to come...her side...which never reveals childlike enthusiasm...her "Think we better get going itself...mysterious...void...cold... elegance and composure...her now...your train back should be brooding. He chuckled at the eccentricities which makes her early next morning...you don't irony of it all… wonderfully unpredictable...she want to call him up at an was his dream woman in his unearthly hour. Maybe its better How he dreamed that day when strained reality...unrealisable...a that you surprise him with he landed in town...how he dream...yet a dream that can be something...a home cooked meal dreamed about how to tell her touched, felt and held close to maybe..." what he truly felt...how he oneself. dreamed about that moment for "Wow...what will I do without the last few months...how he He made a mental note of the you!! This really means a lot to bought a single red rose which new restaurant a while up me...thanks!" he had tucked inside his road...he wouldn't mind a beer coat...how he practiced for hours or two while he is here "I just want you to be happy! No in front of the mirror on one tomorrow night...he slowly need for any thanks and all that knee...how, many years after started walking back...the waves crap...I am here and you know being the best of friends, he won finally...but his footprints it...C'mon, let’s go!" realised something which he will be back to challenge them almost knew all along...how he for a while... They got up together...she never ever in his wildest ♦ started walking back to the thoughts expected what she told

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Business & Strategy

BY SANDEEP MUKHERJEE (’95 PHY MECH) AND ANURADHA GUPTA (’86 MMS) IN CONVERSATION WITH VIVEK PAUL Mr Paul is the Managing Director at the Texas Pacific Group Ventures. Here he shares his views on a broad range of business and social issues and on what the Alumni Association needs to be doing going forward.

Sandpaper: How was the had only each other to keep friends are such that they do not BITS experience for you? yourselves occupied Were you an outstanding and entertained. These student? Could you please social skills were share with us some of your actually quite valuable. good, bad and more fun Not that you can draw memories of BITS? to much of an extrapolation, but I see Vivek Paul: So, you know, I a lot of BITSians being really feel somewhat ancient at successful in multiple this point because BITS when I walks of life, which is attended was quite different unusual for many from the BITS I saw when I universities, went back there when I was on particularly the senate couple of years ago. engineering-oriented universities. First, I’d say that the fondest memories that I have of BITS In terms of my own are the friendships that I made self, I did a little bit of there that last till today and that everything. On the are so strong that, literally, even academic front, I was a today, I meet some of my fellow proud Ten Pointer in Image Source: The Wharton School, BITSians at least once a week the first year so I did University of Pennsylvania that is something that has been a really well on the grade (http://leadership.wharton.upenn.edu/) lasting legacy for me. side. I also partook in extracurricular activities – I was view me though any other lens Second, I think that the rigor and captain of the water polo team, except me as an individual. discipline of the curriculum at acting captain of swimming When you become externally BITS is something that really team, took part of the drama well known there begins to prepares you well for the world. club. So a lot of different creep a gap between the person I’m sure that I’m not the first activities, you know, we had a and the persona and I think that one saying this but I think that lot of time there. they see right through the the education that you get at persona and see the person, BITS is incredibly valuable. Sandpaper: You mentioned which for me is very that one of your fondest comforting. And, I’d say that probably the memories was that of the third and last thing in terms of people that you met and Sandpaper: When you went what you take away from BITS the friendships that you back to BITS, how different is that BITS was one of the few made. Now, has your rock- did you find it between places where not only did you star status in the business then and now? learn a lot of the analytical world changed some of concepts and tools but BITS was those relationships in Vivek Paul: I would say that excellent for teaching you social anyway? physically it was somewhat skills as well. I mean here you depressing. First, it looked were, locked away in the middle Vivek Paul: You know I have almost exactly the same. of desert and you pretty much been very fortunate that my Secondly, actually, it looked

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Business & Strategy somewhat worse because I side, it seemed to be too heavily remember it being more open skewed towards one part of As for now, there is an effort to and now I saw that everything India. create an entrepreneurial theme was kind of barred in and it in BITS Alumni Assoc and I looked much more Lastly, the thing that I found have agreed to help with that as concentration-campish! It being really comforting is that it well. very open earlier. Lastly, I was continued to retain the emphasis just stunned to see that the on educational excellence and “…the alumni classrooms were the same old there seemed to be an expansion up-and-down chalkboards in in the curriculum in terms of the association is today’s world. On the degrees and courses that doing many things infrastructure side, it was students could study. depressingly similar. that are in the Sandpaper: How are you category of On the population side, it personally planning to help improvement but appeared to be much more co-ed BITS get even better as an that it had been in my time when institution? Would you the alumni there were practically no women consider returning to Pilani association ought and only guys. to teach etc? to pick one or two And, at the same, I thought that Vivek Paul: So, actually, my things that with when I was there I saw a pretty returning to Pilani to teach may which they can good cross section of people actually not be a net plus for from all over India. In fact, that them! The best way to answer really make a was one of the lessons that as a that is to point to the things that difference.” young student when you joined I’ve already done, which include a college you were only used to BITSConnect. I was a part of the Sandpaper: You have been the people that had grown up core team and was part of the quoted in the past as around you and here you could initial conversations that kicked saying “All progress owes be exposed to everybody. I was the project off when the Director itself to the demands of the quite surprised to find that the of BITS visited Silicon Valley unreasonable man”. What statistics are such that over 90% and met with a group of us. I unreasonable demands do of the admissions into Pilani helped both in terms of helping you think the over the last few years have galvanizing people from Silicon administration of BITS or been from two states in India. Valley as well as from a Wipro the alumni association That’s not to say that there’s any side where we provided a lot of needs to make of itself to malfeasance or anything but just the system integration and help BITS become even that that’s the way it works out ongoing maintenance and, as an better? according to a well-defined individual, helping with some of admissions process. Still I was the fundraising. For example, I Vivek Paul: I think that the surprised to find that, on the plus went to Mumbai to meet with a alumni association is doing side, you find a more co-ed lot of alumni to be able to raise many things that are in the community and, on the minus funding for the program. category of improvement but the

Vivek Paul is a Managing Director at the Texas Pacific Group. His sectors include Consumer, Information Technology and Life Sciences. Source: http://www.tpgvc.com/ SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 49

Business & Strategy alumni association ought to pick a resignation from you DataQuest one or two things that with from TPG Ventures! which they can really make a launched their list difference. Whether that be on Vivek Paul: Yeah, I was going of Top 10 Most the infrastructure side, for to say that this sounds like a example, if infrastructure’s a trap! About a year and half ago Powerful Women in really issue and if the problem is DataQuest launched their list of Indian IT and I was that BITS Pilani has insufficient Top 10 Most Powerful Women thrilled that at one funds then are there in Indian IT and I was thrilled opportunities for BITS to raise that at one point or another three point or another more funds externally. So, for of them had worked for me. three of them had example, like we have in the United States – and that’s not Sandpaper: You were worked for me.” the say the model in the US is among CNN Time’s 25 necessarily right – could we get Global Business Vivek Paul: I’d say that when I one of the really successful Influentials, among graduated from BITS Pilani and BITS alumni to donate to the Business Week’s World’s applied to grad school. I had two BITS Foundation to create a Best Managers and have options. I got into, except for building, a library or a wing received several other one university, every school I that’s named after them. All accolades. Has any one of applied to because, as I those ideas have been shot these been special to you? mentioned earlier I did very well down. As BITSAA, we have to in college academically as well think through where we can Vivek Paul: I have to admit that as on my admission test. So, I make a measurable, significant the accolades are appreciated could either go to a top tier impact on the university. but I don’t think a lot about business school and pay my way them. For two reasons. First, through or, I could attend what Second, there’s a lot of activity I’ve always believed that those was not at the time a top tier going on in the alumni accolades do not belong to me school at the time, UMass association that is focused on as an individual but o the whole Amherst, on a full scholarship. I making a difference for the team that I’m working with. opted for the latter because I group that we all represent – the After all, no man is an island didn’t want to take a big loan alumni community. There I’m and we all work as a team. particularly coming out of India seeing some interesting moves Second, anytime that you spend and having no money. Having such as entrepreneurship and too much time looking gone down that path, you realize mentorship programs. Still backwards you lose the ability to that being in the company of BITSAA is only scratching the go forward. Anytime that I make people who challenge you more surface of what we could do. a career move going from than others is of incredible value leading luminary in the Indian and the alumni network is really Sandpaper: Vivek, our IT field to being a rookie in the valuable as well. Other than that, upcoming Sandpaper issue VC space, those are things you I got a lot out of my education at is going to feature can’t do if you focus too much UMass Amherst. Every job that outstanding BITSian on accomplishments in the past. I had I ended up working in the women – you have worked My view is that the journey is company of really smart people. in the technology industry far from over. They always bring out the best and you have studied in an in you. institute, in BITS with Sandpaper: You have re- women in this field. Larry invented yourself several Sandpaper: How do you Summers of Harvard times over the course of manage a work-personal started this whole your career. If you were life balance? controversy about women starting your career as a in technology/math/science new graduate, what would Not very well! I end up working etc. and he has resigned as you do differently? a lot so I always feel like I wish of yesterday, what are your I had more time to devote to views on the subject. We’re “…about a year pursuits outside work. But part certainly not trying to elicit of the effect of putting myself in and half ago a drivers seat in terms of my

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Business & Strategy own career and making the pure cost benefit analysis, in a private equity lens, and enjoy moves and shifts that I did has terms of the time it takes to continuing to contribute. meant has been that I’ve always write a good book and what you done stuff that I really enjoyed get in return is actually not Sandpaper: How do you and when you enjoy it, it doesn’t commensurate with the effort see the VCPE sectors and feel like work. With the limited entailed. others evolving in the time I get for leisure I enjoy Indian economy? spending time with my family, Sandpaper: It sounds like enjoy playing bridge and I love we’ll have to wait several Vivek Paul: I think that Indian to read. more years to sample your industry on every front is doing reading then! On a different well. In some sense the Indian Sandpaper: What do you them, what’s your new role consumption engine was always like to read to keep like – more venture or more bottled up and now we’re seeing yourself abreast of buyouts? this engine kick into gear and changes in the business it’s creating all kinds of world? What books, Vivek Paul: I now have a foot employment, business growth… magazines, periodicals on each side. Part of the appeal sort of a nice virtuous cycle. I etc? of joining the Texas Pacific think that the Indian economy is Group is that I could do both – on a secular, multi-decade rise. Vivek Paul: I do read a lot. I venture capital as well as read about a book every ten buyouts. “If I could help one days. I do try to say current with what’s going. I read largely non- Today, 60% of my time is spend more Indian fiction but some fiction too. on venture capital and I do industry step out Everything from a comment at spend 40% on the buyouts side. Davos on what Bill Gates said On the buyouts side, I focus on to the world about drinking the bottomless very specifically on either stage, I would feel well to a book a friend may industries that I can contribute a quite fulfilled.” recommend that was lot to just or on India. If I could phenomenal on a particular help one more Indian industry topic. I also go to very focused step out on to the world stage, I Having said that, it’s still highly industry conferences to learn would feel quite fulfilled. regulated and it poses more risk about the latest thinking. I also for the country. For example, I flip through a lot of magazines. I Sandpaper: You have a look at the restriction from guess flying a lot does give you broad brief at TPG that foreign capital in several sectors the time to do that. But I’m not a includes life sciences yet India is way behind China in big magazine or newspaper companies, technology terms of foreign capital. reader. companies etc. What do you enjoy most at TPG? I got an email from one of the Sandpaper: What about newspapers asking me write on writing a book yourself? Vivek Paul: I love the the budget. My standard line on Have you considered going intellectual challenge of this subject is that as long as the down this path – on the addressing multiple issues budget has any significance for lines of Lou Gerstner’s instead of going deep on the the Indian economy that means “Who says elephants can’t single thing I was doing at that it’s an over-regulated dance” and Jack Welch’s Wipro. Second is the ability to economy. So the day people “Winning”? think through the whole notion stop asking me to write about of how do you scale and deal the budget will be the day that Vivek Paul: I actually received with the issues of success. we’ll have a true deregulated an offer from one of the Management teams often think economy. publishing houses to write a of the issues of failure and not book. I decided against it for about those associated with We’ve made progress and that’s two reasons. First, to me writing success. Lastly, as I mentioned comforting against where we a book would again make me earlier, I continue to look at were before. However, that feel like my story is done and I India through both a venture and doesn’t mean we’re where we don’t feel that way. Second, on a need to be by far.

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Business & Strategy

I felt that this would otherwise worked in are reputed to be When India chose the path of kill us because we wanted to elitist. socialism there was a lot of grow that business. So I wanted thought process and training that to do was remove multiple Vivek Paul: I have to say that was grounded in and, frankly, quality management systems being an Indian has hindered me the new generation is resisting. and create a single, online in some instances but that The new generation says Gandhi quality management system that hindrance turned out to be a is not my idol. This may sound would scale dramatically. That great benefit in the end. Because heretical, but that is what it is. sounds evident but it didn’t turn there are instances where people This whole notion of austerity is out to be that way because did not do what was right, what yesterday’s generation. I want people do certain things for a they should have done, but that and I want now. You meet kids certain reason. Several systems only made me stronger. It made who say that my parents wanted had grown up in the company me stronger in two ways. One is an apartment when they retired. and everybody felt that their it made me more confident and These kids want an apartment system was the best and the only I’ll explain how. Second is that the day they start work and one. I remember getting all the it got me away from situations that’s why the Indian retail quality gurus in a conference where I shouldn’t have been in. consumer finance sector is room and telling them, OK booming. With 55% of the people, we are going to kill all One situation I can remember is population being less than 25 the quality management systems when I was in consulting and the years old, the political might and merge them into one. I client was a complete bigot and that this group will have is only remember, one guy got up and ultimately he is still where is going to rise. From that front, I said “I think that your idea is and I am gone and had I stayed think the politics will change stupid, stupid stupid!” As the on and continued fighting it I and you will see people have CEO, I could have reacted in would have been limiting different views on the many ways. But, I said, that if myself. importance of economic growth you feel so strongly, I’ll take versus socialistic ideals, which another look and see if I share “…being an Indian haven’t given much elsewhere the passion that you have about in the world. keeping the multiple systems but has hindered me in if not I’ll go ahead anyways. I some instances but Sandeep: You once wrote, did go back, rethink, but decided “Always take your job to proceed with the single that hindrance seriously, but never take system option. turned out to be a yourself seriously”. We great benefit in the often hear of Vivek Paul the Today, that guy is one of the top CEO, the venture capitalist quality gurus in Wipro. The fact end… However, etc. Tell us about some that he was as outspoken as he today, being an instances where you’ve was didn’t in any way affect his found yourself laughing at career. And, to me, what that Indian, people yourself? example brings out is the almost expect too importance of creating a culture much from you.” “I remember, one where they can speak up and not be in awe of you and, two, when guy got up and people do speak up – even as Another example in terms of said, ‘I think that tactlessly as he did, for there are how you grow stronger… let me certainly better ways to express use another example from my your idea is stupid, the point – that it’s not consulting days. I am a stupid, stupid!’” something that is career- vegetarian, have been since I was born. I remember that I used limiting. to sort of go out to lunch and Vivek Paul: There have been dinner with a client and find out many incidents… I’ll give you Sandpaper: Has it helped or hindered you in your that there were very few options one example. At Wipro, one of for me. There were some people the things that I wanted to tackle career being an Indian? Especially given that, some who would say “Oh, I hope you upfront was the notion of don’t mind” and I decided to be scalability in the services sector. of the sectors you have

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Business & Strategy very upfront and asked them to results why should you not sort or is your career itself choose a restaurant where I move to the private sector. your dream. could have some menu options. I would have my secretary call “When things don’t Vivel Paul: I think that what ahead of meetings to see if they I’ve tried to do my entire career had vegetarian options. If the work out the way is keep my eye on what I want restaurant didn’t, I would simply you want I think to get out of a job for myself in ask for a different venue. the sense of how has this added you get a higher to my capability set and made It’s amazing that people do not degree of resilience me stronger and what do I have have the confidence to do that as you go along in to do to earn my right for that and, done right, it’s a source of job/business. As a result, I feel strength, not a weakness. life.” like I have had the ability to be very dispassionate about where I I think that being an Indian for Sandpaper: How have you am in any particular job, which some time and in certain found yourself changing in is why I have been able to make situations was a hurdle. terms of the person that moves that were not necessarily However, today, being an you are? intuitive at that time but, over Indian, people almost expect too the course, have turned out to be much from you. Vivek Paul: I would say that it’s the right ones. And I still think not just the school of hard that one more career left in me Sandpaper: Many CEOs knocks as well as the aging and that’s the advantage of seem to be moving from process that makes you realize, living in today’s world where publicly traded companies over time, that group success is working lives are very long and to privately held ones. Do more valuable than individual the next career not to be you think that Sarbanes success. And sometimes you unfolded for the next decade, Oxley and the regulatory have to be a little bit patient but after that, I would like to be environment have had an you never want to lose your doing something on the social inadvertent effect on the ability to lose your impatience contribution side. level of executive talent at otherwise you tend to become public companies? complacent. So while your Sandpaper: So we don’t balanced shifts a little bit but see you ever retiring. Vivek Paul: I think it is more you still need to retain this sense interesting if you are a of balance. Vivek Paul: Retiring means one successful, competent CEO to of two things. One, that you do the same work in a private When things don’t work out the cease to do economic activity. In setting than to do it in a public way you want I think you get a this sense, I will someday retire. setting. This is so because in a higher degree of resilience as Two, you cease to do any public setting, you both lack the you go along in life. So you meaningful activity! I hope that benefit on the upside with know that is could be a the latter never applies to options expensing and with temporary setback and things nobody. Sarbanes Oxley the risks you will get better as you go along take in terms of venturing a few or, that there are four or five Sandpaper: Any closing place well-placed bets are things you could do to address thoughts for BITSians? higher. Whereas in private the situation and so you take it equity we encourage people to calmly. Vivek Paul: To me BITSians be as successful as they can be can be an incredible force due to and worry about economic Sandpaper: A lot of people the combination of the right outcomes and not about reported take their career to a brain and the left brian and quarterly earnings. So if you’re certain point and then whatever we can do to make a smart a CEO you ask yourself follow their dreams – material change to the campus that if you have more risk and maybe in an entirely we left behind and to the less return in a public than in a different direction – do you community of alumni, the better private setting and if you’re plan to do anything of this off we are. So the more the confident about producing better. ♦

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Business & Strategy

BY MUKUL CHAWLA (’97 INFORMATION SYSTEMS) PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL – A PRIMER A short primer on the private equity and venture capital industries (and how to get in!)

structure – discontinuities of one Blackstone started a $9.5B hedge type or the other. Recall the fund arm and TPG launched TPG- private equity and THE $300M Bharti Telecom Axon with $2.8B in capital. This venture capital industry has been investment by Warburg Pincus. convergence between hedge funds getting much press recently – Deep value investing refers to and private equity is very real, and BusinessWeek, Forbes and The investing in firms that are sold at was one of the most talked-about Economist have all carried prices below their “true value”, or, industry trends in 2005. articles on this sizzling industry in other words firms whose in the past six months. And operational value can be unlocked Note that these segments form a sizzling it is – the industry therefore creating equity value. continuum, essentially reflecting 1 controls $800B in capital (5.5 These are often firms that could stages in the evolution of a firm from times India’s foreign reserves), be run better; consider the $5.1B startup to (perhaps) distress. raising $174B in 2005 alone. So, buyout of Nieman Marcus by Historically, these segments of the what is the VCPE (as it is Texas Pacific Group (TPG) and industry began somewhat differently. commonly called) industry? Warburg Pincus. Finally, Venture capital, some would say, distressed investing refers to began with Arthur Rock’s investment Broadly, the term private equity buying distressed (firms unable to in Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957. refers to investing in a firm’s pay up their debt obligations) on This is a fascinating tale of 8 equity privately – not via the the cheap, and either turning them scientists (dubbed the “traitorous public markets. A VCPE firm around or making money off their eight”) walking out of the legendary invests in the equity of a firm, assets. Wilbur Ross may be the Shockley Semiconductor, and seeking owns it for a period of time, then most notable recent example; he investment in their new venture. sells the equity to another buyer has made a fortune investing in Rock, a visionary New York banker or to the public (via an IPO), left-for-dead business and visiting the west coast, met with and hopefully making good on its industries in the US. invested in them, eventually helping original investment. create Silicon Valley. The invention In recent times, hedge funds, of late-stage investing is less clear, A rough segmentation of the which traditionally invest in the industry – venture capital, public markets and could have a growth equity, “deep value” or fundamentally different set of late-state investing and investors, have also begun distressed investing – doesn’t investing in private equity. An explain all its nuances, but is a illustrative deal that has seen starting point. Venture capital much press is ESL Investments refers to investing in early-stage purchase of 52% of Kmart. 2005 companies, think Kleiner also saw the birth of funds that Perkins and fabled investments would be pursuing dual strategies like Amazon, Yahoo and (public and private equity), a Google. Growth equity refers to marquee launch was that of Eton investing in growth, usually Park Capital Management resulting from macroeconomic founded by Eric Mindich, who factors or changes in industry had been the youngest partner at Goldman Sachs at age 27. Not to 1 BusinessWeek, 26th February, be outdone, top tier PE funds grew 2006 hedge fund subsidiaries,

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Business & Strategy but its popular techniques – operational improvements. vary by segment. The VC industry is including the leveraged buyout Roughly speaking, that usually interested in operational (LBO) were known on Wall combination describes an LBO or experience (have you run anything?), Street in the 1960s, preceding “leveraged buyout”, where a so BITSians who are either the creation of well known private equity firm buys a firm for entrepreneurs or product managers speciality firms such as an amount equal to a sum of (a) (better still, have significant P&L Kohlberg Kravis Roberts capital from their own fund and responsibility) could be well (KKR), Forstmann, Little’ and (b) debt raised from the markets. positioned. The VC industry also Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. The debt is carried on the balance tends to focus mostly on IT and life sheet of the acquired firm, and is sciences/healthcare, so experience in There are 3 ways for an investor paid down through cash generated these industries helps. Growth equity to create value – growth, via operations. requires both strategic (to identify leverage and operational discontinuities and for operational improvements. (For the finance- Getting into private equity may value-add) and financial acumen (to geeks, this would translate into interest BITS Pilani graduates. work with valuations), so firms tend revenue, WACC – Weighted You’re not alone; this is a hot to look for former consultants and Average Cost of Capital and topic on most business school bankers. Late-stage investing is ROA – return on assets campuses. There is no single path similar to growth in its requirement, respectively). Investments are to private equity (see interview noting that banking experience is made in one or more of these – with Vivek Paul), but knowledge essential at junior levels, even when VCs invest in growth for most of specific skills for the investing you have been a consultant. Finally, part, while later-stage investors business that might help the more distressed investing tends to look for often create value via a recent graduate. Refer again to the people who can combine financial combination of leverage and segments described earlier – skills savvy with law, no surprise

Distribution of Venture Capitalists from Top US B-Schools Source: Young Venture Capital Soceity, Is an MBA really necessary? (April 19, 2005)

450 413 400

350

300

250 200 200 # of VCs 146 150

100 69 64 60 42 36 50 30 27 25 25 24 14 14 0

) ) ) ) ) ) n ol B ol es s ti SB S l as en) s Hill hool G o a os d u c - ch cho ge H r el mbia U n ( (R p s S ty S S u A y s l s IT (Sloan e (Da as, A rsi Co M ia x Cha e rton icago - G logg Lo higan n e , h el ic T na ha K i ( nia, Berkel M U. Univ (W r Virgi rd Busine d . of C fo U. or a U U outh Collegeli (Tuck nia, U. Carol a f ni rn m r a te lv s . Ca Harv Stan y s Dart U Califo we . New York University (Stern) nn U U. North e orth P N U. Business School Is an MBA necessary? Is an MBA really necessary to break into venture Capital? While not a necessity, the list below demonstrates that a large constituency of current venture capitalists pursued an MBA. Moreover, the list highlights the power of going to a highly ranked school such as HBS, Stanford and Wharton. To find out more information on where VCs worked or went to school (Undergrad, MBA, Masters in Engineering, Law or Ph.d), visit the YVCS website and check out the VC database (www.yvcs.org) Source: Young Venture Capital Society, April 19 2005.

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Business & Strategy

The RJR-Nabisco LBO

Perhaps the most discussed private equity transaction ever is the $25B 1989 leveraged buyout of RJR-Nasbisco by Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR). There is a book (“Barbarians at the Gate”) and a movie on that deal, which has never been surpassed in size.

The process began with a bid from Ross Johnson, then head of RJR-Nabisco, and the Shearson Group, a PE firm, to take the firm private. At the outset, this group was offering a 34% premium on the market price of the shares. The negotiation and counter-bidding that followed ended with shareholders getting a 97% premium on the market price at the start of the process!

Within four days of Ross Johnson’s proposal, bidders started to appear on the scene. KKR and Ross Johnson also met to consider a joint deal, which didn’t eventually work out. Next, the firm announced an open auction with a deadline for bids. Multiple extensions of the deadline followed, with bidders coming in and falling out at each step. At one point, KKR indicated they may walk away, but eventually returned with the highest bid.

This example illustrates how transactions could begin with management intent to sell all or part of a firm. The $11B 2005 Sungard LBO began as an attempt to sell a division. considering the legal wrangles own to find a job. Finally, some www.altassets.com in general, and in bankruptcy. business schools have better alum http://ventureintelligence.blogspot.co networks in the PE world; m/ for India related VC information. There are a few other things to Harvard Business School is Finally, if you are at business school, consider when looking for a clearly the leader when it comes you are likely to have access to paid VCPE job. First, these firms are to alumni in the private equity databases and news-services focused hugely selective, and hire very industry. Stanford and Wharton on VCPE (for example, few people on an annual basis. are the other two business schools VentureXpert), use those extensively. Second, firms tend to hire when that, together with HBS, have a they close funds, which is large alum base in the VCPE I will end with the same exhortation I something you can know of community. have at the end of every message to from trade publications. Third, BITSians on the bits2bschool list. the depth of a PE market could There are BITSians in all Dare mighty things in whatever you determine the type of people – segments of the industry, and you do; stretch yourself beyond your for example, India is a relatively should reach out to them if you limits, and the rest, VCPE jobs young PE market, so no one are seeking a VCPE career. Many included, will follow. Good Luck ! sector merits having specialist VCPE firms have very detailed ♦ professionals dedicated to that websites, spend time looking Mukul Chawla is a second year MBA sector. Consequently, most PE through them to understand what candidate at The Wharton School, firms hire generalist consultants they do and who they employ. University of Pennsylvania and will or bankers. In the US, where the Further, there are a vast variety of join Warburg Pincus this fall. Earlier, market is mature enough to websites and trade publications Mukul was a consultant with merit industry specialists, the that can help you keep up with McKinsey & Company and held profile of people at a firm tends current state of the industry. For marketing and engineering positions to reflect more vertical an overview, there are many at Cisco Systems Inc. Mukul holds specialization. Further, you books you could read – consider graduate and undergraduate degrees almost always need a business reading “The New Financial from the University of Illinois, or law degree, except for Capitalists”, which traces KKR Urbana-Champaign (CS’99) and venture capital and at very history in detail and is a good BITS Pilani (IS’97) respectively. Read senior positions, where degrees primer on the buyout industry. On his blogs at yodatma.blogspot.com. count for a lot less. Even if you the venture side, try a subscription He can be reached at are at business or law school, to Dow Jones’ Venture Capital [email protected] VCPE firms tend not to show up Analyst, which has different on campus for hiring, and you editions for technology and will need to network on your healthcare. On the web, use

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GENERAL INTEREST

BY SANDHYA KRISHNAN (’99 INFORMATION SYSTEMS) CROSSROADS Some call it the beginning of adulthood, some call it the quarter life crisis. A girl’s journey to become a woman is, more than anything, highly puzzling. What follows are the thoughts and travails of one such confused being.

they stop forgiving you for acting suddenly cool to stay at home, look AS I looked at the mail that like a kid and start expecting you after the kids and make aromatic had just landed in my inbox a to know how to handle one. candles. We can study at the best few million random thoughts colleges, get the highest degrees, give crossed my mind. Attached were Friends of mine think they might up everything for the man we love wedding pictures of my wingie still be a little too young to marry. and move to unknown lands. Who is from BITS and standing with the But of course, you really cannot to stop us? Hot shot careers could happy couple was another friend be taking competitive exams now- well be giving way to chocolate chip with her husband, visibly for when you graduate there might cookie baking lessons. expecting their first child. As I not be many eligible bachelors regretted not being there, my left. A corporate woman then? As we needle our way out of our eyes instinctively landed on the Maybe not, because for all the protective environments, the comfort wall behind me. My old poster gorgeous women of this of being the new employee, the junior of a cozying couple with much generation, three years is a long student, the blushing bride, there’s an torn edges and very visible time to be working on the same overwhelming amount of challenges creases stared back. I don’t even job. For the thousands of women and decisions thrown at us. We know why I chose to hold on to who joined the workforce three grapple with them, mostly alone, too the one relic my BITSian room odd summers back, the crossroads independent and proud to ask for was identified with. It had no of life are taking form. help. The truth is, we may not be as place in my life and certainly tough as we claim to be. We wax none in a B-school. I told Is there such a thing as too many eloquent in public on how strong we everyone it makes me feel at choices? I thought about my close are. And yet we crumble at the home. Frankly, I think it just circle of friends. As independent thought of calling a close friend to makes me feel younger. young women with the freedom to condole the death of his beloved. step forward in time or back into Today no one raises as much as an Is the honeymoon over, I domesticity, we are a lot eyebrow when I tell them of my plans wondered. Twenty four is a pampered for choice. Gone are the to start a restaurant and author a book. funny age to be. It’s when your days when working women were Another close friend just made a opinion has suddenly begun to the toast of the day. Today it’s successful shift from a software techie matter and strangely, you don’t seem to like it. It is the age when

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GENERAL INTEREST to a well paid finance executive- - all at the same time. discuss the next hot topic of with a one year MBA. Except discussion. When most of our plans for some student loans, there’s It is true. We now like to pay our for life ended with the campus job or nothing to stop her now. Just as own bills. But we aren’t going to a flight to the states. When the next I write this more and more deny men the pleasure of opening best thing to look forward to would be women are changing lanes faster our doors and pulling out chairs the next movie, not the next wedding. than we can imagine, all to for us. After all, there can be And how much things have changed pursue something unusual and nothing wrong in a little since then. more fulfilling. We are breaking pampering and that’s exactly how stereotypes to form niches of our we like our lives too. Among all As we stand in the way, with the own. We want to be fashionable the generations of women on this million others zooming past us, there and comfortable, silly and suave earth we are probably the easiest is only one big question. What is life to live with. And all about? Each of the paths we take the most difficult may lead us to some kind of to understand. successes, but what is it that we are I thought of the putting at stake? Our careers? Our bright and sunny families? Our capabilities? Or plain days spent at personal satisfaction? BITS. When the I closed my laptop and reached out next quiz and for a glass of milk. If this were ‘Sex submission used to and the City’, now would be when the be the big camera pans out and the credits roll. obstacles to our Like many others, I wonder what the carefree life. next episode holds in store. When girls would ♦ huddle around the night canteen at midnight to

Book Announcement – BITS alum co-authors Design for Trustworthy Software This book presents an integrated technology, Design for Trustworthy Software (DFTS), to address software quality issues upstream such that the goal of software quality becomes that of preventing bugs in implementation rather than finding and eliminating them during and after implementation. The thrust of the technology is that major quality deployments take place before a single line of code is written!

About the Authors: Bijay Jayaswal holds a B.Eng. (Hons.) degree in Electrical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India and an MBA and Master's Degree in electrical engineering from Aston University in England. He is the CEO of Agilenty Consulting Group, LLC. He has held senior executive positions and has consulted in quality and strategy for the last 20 years. His consulting and research interests include value engineering, process improvement and product development. He has helped introduce corporate-wide initiatives in reengineering, Six Sigma, and Design for Six Sigma and has worked with senior executive teams for effective implementation of such initiatives. [email protected]

The co-author, Dr. Peter C. Patton is a Professor of Quantitative Methods and Computer Science, at the University of St. Thomas, St Paul, Minnesota and Chairman of Agilenty Consulting Group.

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GENERAL INTEREST

SANGEETA PATNI (NEE SAMAR) (‘90) PREJUDICES IN THE WORKPLACE After being an engineer with two decades of professional experience behind me, and having been reasonably successful, I still find steeling myself for a fight with this unseen foe whenever I meet a new set of people…

for her. She has seen me work all her life, it night my LAST comes as no surprise to eight-year-old daughter was her that a profession going through her has nothing feminine schoolwork, where she was or masculine about it. looking up genders of That it is simply about different animals/humans. skill and ability, and Peacock/Peahen, Dog/bitch, nothing to do with King/Queen etc. gender.

In the middle, she turned But that’s not the way around and asked me, “Mom, the entire world views what is the female of it. Not the current one, Doctor?” I was reading a anyway. There are book and without missing a people in the world beat, answered, "Beta, there who “feel” differently about a rearing its ugly head, every is no gender for a profession. woman professional although now and then. Showing up in A doctor is a doctor, whether they “know” that both the way men and women a male or female". She genders have similar look past me in my nodded sagely - "Yeah, right. professional ability. company’s booth at a Like you are an engineer. It is However hard we try and technical event and engage based on what you do, not gloss over it, gender with a male colleague for a whether you are a girl or a prejudices are alive and technical discussion. Thrown boy", and she went back to kicking in the world. I know, in my face when a male her schoolwork. I realized I have experienced them first colleague is chosen over me with a start - this is so simple hand. to head a project I have worked so hard on. It is seldom Demonstrated by the voiced, nor is involuntary closing-of-ranks visible to a by my peers at a beer bash casual eye, not session at an office party. It in the politically shows up when people hand correct out roles to me that they professional assume me to be good at – at corridors I find nurturing people, at being myself in, but it good in handling irate is there. customers and at soothing Lurking in down a ruffled colleague, and board-rooms, in in the same breath, I am seminars, in passed over for roles that meetings, in require handling new project parent-teacher situations, traveling to new meetings, and geographies and breaking even in homes, new ground and markets. It is

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GENERAL INTEREST seldom, at least in the evidence. I ignore Scientists, Technology beginning that people seek to perceptions and just get on Officers, Police Cops, Design see what I am good at – I am with my job, make sure I engineers, Mountaineers, IAS just lumped with these explain my role, my skills Officers, Pilots – all women “female” expectations. that got it done, generate who silently went about Awwwrrrgghh, it is visible, demonstrated applying their ability and the frustrating! evidence of my skills, and skill to do a job, and just did make sure I articulate my it. When they kept at it, no After being an engineer with desired role before I find one matter what people thought two decades of work behind dumped on me. I simply or said, people could not but me, and reasonably sound focus on sharpening my respect that they did, and and successful decades at skills, meeting my considered them as equal that, I still find steeling deliverables, and keeping my professionals. Invariably. myself for a fight with this faith in myself intact. Then, I Inexorably. Irrevocably. unseen foe whenever I meet a dig my heels, and wait - for new set of people – whether the respect moments to occur, But this is only about the male or female, a new set of when others, prejudiced or battle I wage and the buildings and new situations. not, acknowledge and respect weapons I use. I am able to I have to overcome this what I have done. When work long, hard hours and prejudice and forgive the respect appears, prejudice grind away the prejudice - people who have harbored it, simply melts away and but about my daughter, and before I get on with my work. disappears. All it needs is girls of her generation? It No matter how many times I evidence and patience. would indeed be sad, if she have killed it, no matter how Sometimes, lots and lots of it. too would have to present many times I have proved evidence upon evidence of myself to be equal, I have to It is often hard her skill and ability before do it again and again and and frustrating she is accepted and treated as again. work. But a job an equal, that needs to Why? Because I must. be It is important, then, to Because I know that despite examine where what some people may this prejudice assume me to be, I am an comes from, equal professional. This truth so that one is is known to me, but is hidden able to move behind the fog of towards it unconscious conditioning of done. annihilation, the mind. And I must fight to For my within oneself and all bring this truth to light, sake and around us. It is said that sometimes even to myself. for the a prejudice is an attitude work I that we have about a How exactly do I fight love person that is governed prejudice? Ah, that’s not doing. by appearances, color, easy or even straight-forward. For my gender, height, religion, More because this is daughter – and their sexuality and other insidious and unseen, her daughters. For such things. Prejudices are sometimes even the person my parents who not consciously learnt. They with the prejudice does not thought me to be equal to my exist in the murky depths of know he/she has it. Unless it brothers. For the BITS the unconscious mind. is a dogma, it typically is education which equipped me Nobody teaches you subconscious. To combat it, to be equal – and for friends prejudice. It is arrived at by it, hence, needs different kind and colleagues who depend our minds, sifting evidence of weapons. I know of one on me to be so. And I know I that it finds, in experiences, that works. Evidence to the am not alone. I look around daily interactions, stories, contrary. And I make it my and see other women who myths, legends, movies and business to create such have done the same. CEOs, stuff like that. We absorb

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GENERAL INTEREST them in homes, work places pilots, only about male ones. that women, too, lead and in social settings. It is Maybe if I had seen enough successful professional lives. prejudice which makes one women pilots, and heard Celebrate them. Rejoice in select a male surgeon over a enough stories about their skill. Stories of this female one, even though the companies fighting to hire kind will jostle for space with female surgeons’ credentials women pilots, I would not all those other old stories may be factually better (but have batted an eyelid when I about women being mothers, this is one area, which is fast saw a woman walk into the care givers, wives – but they changing everywhere). pilot’s cabin. would be there too. And they We’ve come a long way! would be told and re-told and Talking about prejudices, I There are examples to the echoed back to our have a confession to make. I contrary everywhere. It is unconscious minds in many, hate to say it, but I have time for all of us to change! many ways. Then, someday, sometimes been prejudiced when the unconscious mind about female professionals It is said that the unconscious is processing his or her too. I am not proud to admit mind has ‘a mind of its own’. experiences, stories and it, but it was there. I couldn’t No one can force it to images, it would reach the help feeling a little nervous behave. It needs to be trained final “Aha’ moment! The when I would see women and schooled, and then, it conclusion that there is ample striding towards an aircraft I would change. To school the evidence of women doing was going to fly, wearing a unconscious mind, it would design, software, space sky- pilot’s uniform. I have no need the same trick that I use walking, medicine, mountain idea where that came from, to fight this attitude at work. biking – and that really, considering that I "KNOW" a Pile up evidence to the profession has nothing to do female pilot will be as good contrary. Pile up images, with being a woman, but only as male one. How could I thoughts, songs, stories, to do with skill and ability. think thus? I, as a legends and news about professional woman faced women and their professional And then, when my daughter my own prejudice and lives all around. Create a – and yours – grows up, she overcame them while I hoped smorgasbord of professional would be perceived as an for a world that has none. success stories of women. engineer. Not a “female’ My prejudice about female Tell them to your daughter engineer, but just an pilots came from my growing and to your son, tell them to engineer. Period. up years. I never saw many the winds, tell them to the ♦ women fly aircrafts when I rooftops, tell them to was growing up. I never newspapers, tell them to your heard stories about women friends – let all of them know

GENDER PREJUDICES An October 2004 report of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), titled, "Science Careers for Indian Women", aimed at gaining a perspective of the Indian situation regarding women in Science and Technology. It concluded that there is no gender differentiation in the intrinsic abilities of women to pursue careers in the sciences – though subtle discrimination in many workplaces does exist. In the context of the current controversy caused by Lawrence Summers of ex-Harvard fame, the INSA report observed that selection of subjects for higher studies by Indian girls is guided more by social factors – certain perceptions that women are not really expected to pursue engineering fields (medical and biological sciences are more acceptable).

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EDUCATION & ACADEMICS

BY KAUSHIK MUKHERJEE (’00 EEE) MYTH-BUSTING THE INDIAN MBA ROULETTE 12 misconceptions about the selection process you would rather avoid

more often than not, it is the competitor might not have the same select few who walk away endurance to last more than a Indian MBA The with the cake. Indeed, we hear month. graduate has never had it this cases of candidates managing good. However, today, with over sky-high scores with only a 02. 1:100 is too a thousand b-schools in the month’s effort, if not lesser. The country, we run the risk of mistake we make is that we high an odd selling the Indian MBA dream view such people as perhaps the With numbers, the bigger they with the promise of money. only ones who are assured of a get, the more they allure us. This is exactly where we need to When we read about a 153000 separate the wheat candidates appearing for from the chaff. There an entrance test, we are amongst the struggle with the odds. A hundreds, a precious simple division would few institutes that have scale down the ratio to carved a niche for 1:100. And this is exactly themselves in the when panic begins to set world’s management in. Now, let’s look at this fraternity. Here, we figure a little closely. take a look at 12 such Firstly, out of the entire misconceptions, any lot, at least 30% of the aspirants should steer applicants take the test to clear of. After all, in a apply for Tier-II and Tier- game of roulette – you III b-schools. Another ought to do better than 20% take the test without trust someone else’s any serious effort put into hunch. it whatsoever. This is when the figures start 01. The brain favouring us. How passionately do we really reigns want this to work out? If supreme we want it bad enough, we In the months that lead up to the safe berth in the second round of will not have to bother about aptitude tests, we come across a selections. It is then, the time to finding 99 others who might not motley crew of aspiring flip the coin. These tests are be as motivated as us, to secure candidates. From the lazy to the great levelers. Where some our seat. All we need to do is struggler to the gifted few who might possess superior keep our end of the bargain – seem unnaturally brilliant at intelligence, it is our duty to fish believe in our capabilities, making a mockery of the out the best in us and pit them without getting intimidated by different sections of the test, against another’s. What is it? daunting ratios. Think about it – they are all a part of the same Superior determination? the minute we count ourselves race. Over the years of Perseverance? Dedication? out, the person next to us has schooling and graduation, it has Finding one’s strengths and one less – 98 others to surpass. been embossed in our minds that drawing up a plan based on it some students are more explodes myths like these. For 03. There’s never intelligent than the others and all we know, our intelligent enough time

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EDUCATION & ACADEMICS

The other day I heard of a we perform best when there is same time gain some semblance second-year student who had someone to put us through the of consistency. started on his preparation for grind, then classes like these these entrance tests. Now, here’s might just help in bringing out 06. A simulation an interesting thought. A student the best in you. This is when we is willing to sacrifice over two bring up the topic of ‘active test is after all a of the best years of his life – his learning’. Most of us are used to mock-test college days, to study for a test the damaging process of being Amongst the many pit-falls of he plans to take after two-and- spoon-fed each and every detail the commercialization of the half years. This – is exactly what of a course. Well, that might coaching process, none could be fear of failure does to aspirants. have worked in school and in possible more hazardous than In fact, he is not the only one – college, as well. In this case, it is the “simulation tests-wars”. In quite a few ‘coaching institutes’ up to us to take the initiative and their bid to attract maximum start their batches for a engage the faculty in gleaning number of students by particular year even before the the most out of the curriculum. delivering more value for tests for the same year gets over. Class participation, discussions, money, some institutes go to the The solution then, is unique to doubt-clearing sessions – there lengths of conducting back-to- the individual. We have to plan will come a time when we will back tests for every week of the our preparatory schedule get more than every penny’s three months that lead up to the according to our profile. It worth and best of all, that will test. Although at first glance, the would depend on the number of be the last of our concerns. return-of-investment seems hours we might be able to put in Know yourself, and if you invest lucrative, there’s more to what everyday, our commitments and in this – for the sake of time, meets the eye. An average test is our work/study schedule. This is effort, dreams and money – go attempted for a period of two when we understanding the the whole hog. hours. Surprisingly, more benefits of ‘back-planning’. important than how much we From the date of the test, we 05. Oh, for a 99 score, is the amount of time we move back in time – all the One very elusive figure for spend analyzing our while accounting for the practice every aspirant is 99 – ninety performance. This could stretch tests, the analyses, the classes, nine percentile. To put it in over days – where the solved the time spent in self-study. We layman’s terms, this is when you and unsolved questions are have enough time. Once we break into the top 1% of all the revisited. It is a process which is accommodate our preparations students who appear for the test. drawn out over time and in scheme of things, we come up For most candidates, this would ingrains in our system some of with a time span. We arrive at a translate to a confirmed seat in the finer qualities of effective date. That is the date when we the second round of selections. question selection, time start running – and we don’t Often, the mistake we make is management, solution stop till we’ve crossed the that we benchmark ourselves on approaches, etc. No, there finishing line. standards set by others. In spite cannot be a short-cut to this. of knowing that a perfect score Taking back-to-back tests, give 04. Classroom is quite possible, we strive hard very little time for analysis. coaching is to achieve the average score at Also, it builds a feeling where which a candidate secured an one is tempted to try scoring mandatory interview call. This is dangerous well in the test to come, instead Let’s face it, coaching institutes as it might end up shortchanging of learning from the pitfalls of don’t work magic. They us of our potential. We perform, the present one. Practice tests – facilitate miracles, but it is us when the need of the hour is to both, the home and the national who have to be prepared to outperform. A safer option ones – play an invaluable role in perform them when it matters would be to benchmark honing one’s test-taking skills. most. It does depend on the ourselves against deserving Spare no effort – in fact, you individual and his ability to others till the time we break the might consider resetting your assess his need for a mentor. For barrier. Once that is done, we watch to 1100hrs every time you some spirited individuals, strive to surpass ourselves with start attempting one. correspondence material and each effort. This way, we give practice home-tests prove to do complacency the boot and at the the trick. But if we realize that

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EDUCATION & ACADEMICS 07. To get ahead of of luck, and weigh heavily on every little setback. In short – 10. Disadvantage – the pack, stay away we underrate ourselves. from it Although this might seem like a the fresh graduate Some of us have a habit of pragmatic thing to do – of Quite a bunch of the applicants, preparing in isolation. For most course, everybody loves an predominantly those who apply it’s a compulsive habit, while underdog – we need to be very as fresh university graduates for some it’s decisive. One of careful in walking that thin line fear the fact that they might be the biggest misconceptions that of modesty. Unchecked, it might at a disadvantage when it comes we all come across in some breed dissatisfaction and infuse to the selection rounds that phase of our study life, is that it a latent sense of hopelessness in follow the written test. Simply works to our advantage if we our minds. The next time put, this would be a keep away from the group, when someone asks you about your disadvantage only if we’d want it comes to matters of sharing preparations or your it to be one. For starters, there information of knowledge. performance, try this – instead are enough a more things going Knowledge restricted, is of painting a sorry picture, tell our way. Unlike most of the knowledge gained? Actually them that you did your best and working applicants, we would not, in fact it’s just the reverse. you have your fingers crossed be in the habit of studying and That is the beauty of the manner for the results. Sometimes, being ought to have our core in which the tests are structured. candid works wonders on both graduating courses and projects The oddball who decides to you and your party. You gain in right on the top of our minds. It dispense with helping others, confidence and the nosy parkers is then up to us to allocate time also stands a high risk of not cease their taunts. from our final semester and do getting help when he needs it justice to the preparation plans. most himself. In a test where 09. Sacrifices are Secondly, it is important to you are rated against your peer, know that although business where the percentile matters imperative schools do recruit fresh more than the percentage – a This stems from the old maxim graduates in large numbers, it is cloak-and-dagger approach to that in order to gain something, important to distinguish yourself studying would ring the death one must sacrifice another thing. from the person right next to knell of any aspirant. If it’s a While this might be true in you. To make a start – read up melee, you have to be in it – in cases, they are definitely not about things outside your the thick of things to know your mandatory. But yes, if that is university curriculum – current own strengths – apart from what it takes to make things affairs, the Indian economy, the discovering the many work – it could be for the better. Chinese manufacturing model, weaknesses of others, of course. A sacrifice, however trivial it etc. Bottomline, the well- might be, stays in the mind for a informed, mature freshman with while to come. Especially if we a fair idea of the happenings of 08. Underrating choose to forego something that the world around him - Bingo! yourself keeps the is very close to our heart in order to accommodate our study 11. Disadvantage – pressure off routine, we tend to work doubly Stars performers always attract hard to make sure that the the working attention – from well-wishers sacrifice was well worth it. In professional and others, alike. Times like cases like these, it adds a dash of these, expectations sky-rocket, The biggest challenge that responsibility and character to working applicants face, is that complacency sets in, the our cause. It makes us sure that pressure of performing increases of time-management. Based on no matter what the compulsions, your profile in the company, you – in short, it might not be an a course once planned is what easy situation to handle. True, might be in India… abroad, we will stick to even if it working twelve hours a day… or especially if all this is happening requires the re-shuffling of a few well-before when it actually even longer. It’s a slipstream priorities. Of course, at the very you have to avoid at all costs – should be. To countervail this, end of it all, in the event of most of us take a diametrically and if you are determined things not working out in our enough, it won’t seem as opposite approach. We discredit favour – we would not want to every success of ours as a stroke Herculean as it sounds. The trick have this one incident to blame. is to prioritize the tasks and

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EDUCATION & ACADEMICS making sure that no matter not feel comfortable with the Asia-Pacific region, and an which slots you juggle and idea of leaving a difficult section emergent India with a key role reshuffle, the top spot remains till the end. This is where to play in it – pursuing your untouched. Re-schedule work beginning early displays its management course in this hours, take a day off to catch up, merits. The home-tests offer country would have obvious start early so as to accommodate numerous opportunities to merits in the long run. Factor in unforeseen office night-outs – experiment with different time- the high return-on-investment but fight tooth and nail to stay splits, order of sections and and globally accepted teaching on course. Once the initial strategies. A time comes when methods and you have a hurdle is through, your work we boot a high score and with powerful case for the Indian experience promises to be a new-found confidence in the MBA. What you might have to show-winner at almost all of winning combination, we teeter forego is the high networking your interviews. Undertaking on the edge of aborting the trial- value, the rich global initiatives in the workplace, and-error process. This could perspective and all that comes assuming responsibilities within simply be the first nail in our with the much-talked about the team and having a crystal- coffin, if we’re not careful ‘foreign b-school’ tag. But given clear idea of how your enough to try all the the way in which the Indian individual contribution fits in to permutations and combinations premier b-schools have come up the bigger picture – additives possible. Over a period of time, over the years and are finally that will make sure you blaze we zero in on a particular making efforts in expanding through the final rounds. strategy and then try it out in the their reach beyond the national national-level tests. boundary, there is a good chance 12. The easier that things might just be on an Well, there is no denying the upward spiral. If you are one to section must be fact that some of the world’s top jump in to where all the action done first consulting firms and is, well – congratulations! You Rigid answers like this surprise investments banks troop to the now know 12 ways not to derail me no end. True, it might hold premier Indian business schools your MBA entrance good for one who wants to make to pick the crème-de-la-crème of preparations. sure he is off to a secure start. the graduating batch. With a ♦ Another candidate might simply predicted shift of the balance of global economy towards the

BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Bhoomi Pooja snaps! Date: Ugadi Day (Thursday), 30th March, 2006 Venue: Campus Site, Jawahar Nagar, Shamirpet Mandal, RR District, Hyderabad

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EDUCATION & ACADEMICS

BY SARASWATHI & R. PITCHAI. SENT BY PRASHANT VISWANATHAN. PROF V LAKSHMINARAYANAN (1906 – 1983) – A BRIEF MEMOIR 2nd September ’06 will mark the Birth Centenary of Professor. V. Lakshminarayanan, the founding Director of the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani, Rajasthan.

He made his mark on the higher Engineering, he graduated with the Madras Technical Training technical education scene in a B.E. Degree in 1928. His Centre in Sept.1941 and India and brought thought interests in sports and cultural gradually rose through the ranks leadership to it for a quarter of a activities were well developed as Vice-Principal, and Principal. century (1945 to 1970). With the by this time – he was the general In 1943, he took over as active support and captain for Tennis and his Principal, Ajmer Mission School encouragement of the Birlas, he hobbies included acting in plays – Technical Training Centre and helped transform a remote, and photography. in 1945, he took charge as fledgling technical college in Regional Inspector, Central rural Rajasthan into a premier Prof.Lakshminarayanan started Circle at Nagpur and Delhi institution of higher learning in his professional career as a where he served with distinction the country, internationally mechanical supervisor in the till 1946. recognized for its world-class then Madras P.W.D. After a facilities, faculty and three-year stint, his real Prof. Lakshminarayanan’s Life- programmes. On this occasion, professional vocation, teaching mission of setting up a premier it is fitting to remember the man and training of engineers and Higher Technological Institution and his mission and how he management of higher at Pilani, the ancestral home of went about creating a great technological institutions, the Birlas, began in a subdued temple of learning in the face of beckoned him and he joined his note. In July 1946, Mr. G. D. various physical, cultural and Alma Mater, the College of Birla offered him the position of emotional odds. Engineering, Guindy, Madras as Vice-Principal and Head of the a Jr. Asst. Instructor in Mechanical Engineering Born in a traditional, middle- Mechanical Engineering, at the Department (as also Acting class Brahmin family of South entry level. Besides teaching, he Principal) at the proposed Birla India on 2nd Sept. 1906, took part in a wide range of Engineering College, just then Vaidyanathan curricular and extra-curricular on the anvil as a unit of the Birla Lakshminarayanan had his early activities such as Editor, College Educational Trust at Pilani. education in Bangalore, Madurai Magazine; Secretary, Old Boys Prof. Lakshminarayanan and Tiruchirappalli. His Association; Founder, Co- accepted the offer and challenge. educational proficiency and operative credit society for staff; The engineering college was to distinction were such that, in prominent tennis player, and be located at a remote, rural area 1924, he secured admission to others. These paved the way for of Rajasthan not readily the engineering course at the his developing into a many- accessible by rail or air. Then Govt. Engineering College at dimensional personality in later existing Vidya Vihar campus Guindy, Madras (now Anna years. was about 3 or 4 km from the University) – this was at a time Pilani village. The only when the undivided country From 1941 began his career with infrastructure available to start itself had only a few engineering the Govt. of India – Technical the engineering college was a colleges and getting a seat in the Training Scheme in the workshop building (which only full-fledged engineering Department of Labour in the doubled up as the main college in the State was just a Directorate General of administrative office of the distant dream for many. Resettlement and Employment. college), a gymnasium, a Specialising in Mechanical He started as a Superintendent at dispensary, a few houses for the

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EDUCATION & ACADEMICS

BITSAA is… Rajaputana which later on came to be known as the Global University of Rajasthan. Prof.Lakshminarayanan also Over 10,000 alumni members. 40 chapters worldwide. ensured from the very beginning that merit was the 12 Chapters in sole criterion for selection of North America 5 chapters in Europe 7 chapters in Asia students and faculty.

In the early 1960’s, Mr.G.D. Birla and Prof. Lakshminarayanan evaluated the trends foreseen in technology and science education in the coming decades and decided to forge an advanced higher education institution integrating technology and sciences, building on the existing 14 chapters in India 2 chapters in Australia engineering, science, arts, staff, some barracks (the campus commerce and pharmacy was a military base during When Prof. Lakshminarayanan facilities. Several new World War II!) to be used as initiated activities for the Birla engineering colleges in the class rooms, a guest house and a Engg. College in 1946-47, there country had already been setup couple of basic hostel buildings was also a Science and under the post-war for the boys. A girl’s school Commerce College run by the reconstruction scheme. The (Birla Balika Vidyapeeth) was Birlas in the Pilani village. I.I.T’s, with significant financial also located in the Campus. During 1947, after and technical inputs from With these beginnings, between Independence and partition, a countries such as USA, UK, 1946 and 1960, Prof. V. large number of refugees were USSR, and West Germany had Lakshminarayanan, by his absorbed in the college. The already come into being and the professional stature, tremendous land-mark new building of the higher technological education energy and will power, technical college with the central tower scenario in the country was competence, human relations was built in the early 1950’s and poised for a rapid growth and skills, and single-minded it accommodated in one wing transformation. Seizing the devotion to the cause, with full the colleges of Arts and Science, opportunity and sensing the support and encouragement Commerce and Pharmacy and demands likely to be made on from the Birlas, the Birla the other wing, the entire first-rate institutions, a Educational Trust of which Dr. Engineering College. Several collaborating arrangement was S. D. Pande was the Secretary, new laboratories, class rooms, worked out with the world- and with the excellent library, hostel facilities for men renowned Massachusetts cooperation from the faculty and and women, sports and Institute of Technology (M.I.T) students, helped establish, recreation facilities were built, at Cambridge, Mass, USA. develop, and raise the Birla well qualified and motivated Under this arrangement, M.I.T. Engineering College, to the faculty recruited from all over would provide certain needed status of a National Higher India and the infrastructure inputs and help transform and Technological Institute – well needed to make the campus self- upgrade the Pilani Institution. known not only in the country sufficient created such that, by Visiting faculty, assistance in but internationally too. From an late 1950’s, the Birla curriculum development, initial strength of about 150 Engineering College was a equipment and exchange students in 1947, the Institute National Institute of repute facilities had been envisaged in has grown many fold now to much sought after by students this scheme. The Ford provide educational opportunity from all over India. All these Foundation, U.S.A., provided to thousands of budding institutions in Pilani were substantial financial assistance engineers and scientists. affiliated to the University of to establish the Institute in its

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BITSAA is… Several honours and Active professional recognitions came Some of our current initiatives for students… Prof. Lakshminarayanan’s way during this period. He was elected the President of the Rajasthan Academy of Sciences in 1965. He was elected to membership in the Inter University Board in Dec.1964. He was offered appointment as a member of the Union Public Promote Advanced Education Service Commission, which he MBAs – bits2bschool declined. He was appointed as MS/PhDs – bits2msphd Hon. Colonal Commandant of Keep the BITSian community informed the NCC at Pilani. He was Alumni magazine (Sandpaper 2.0) President of a session of the Education Commission Seminar of the Association of Principals Promote Entrepreneurship of Technical Institutions (APTI) Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership of which he was the Hon. early years. The British Council was registered as a Society Treasurer. He later became helped establish a strong school under Rajasthan Registration of President of the APTI which for teaching the English Societies Act in 1964 and it was was the forerunner of the present language. Assistance from declared a ‘Deemed University’ ISTE (Indian Society for USSR for identified under the UGC Act by the Govt. Technical Education) and programmes was also available. of India by a notification on 18- perhaps the All India Council Prof. Lakshminarayanan led a 6-1964. These pioneers, in spite for Technical Education Govt. of India Technical of some opposition, ensured the (AICTE). He was invited by the Education delegation to USSR faculty pay scale was almost in MIT in Boston to be a Visiting in 1961 and visited a number of par with those of the IIT's, so Professor at the Centre for institutions. During this phase, that the fledgling institution Advanced Engineering Studies Prof. Lakshminarayanan made could attract scholars of and, with the blessings of the several working trips to USA, distinction. Under the Birlas, he took up the Europe and other countries for leadership of Mr.G.D.Birla and assignment and spent 1969 at discussions and hosted technical Mr.K.K.Birla and with active Cambridge, Mass, USA. He visits by several experts from support from faculty and retired in 1970 after serving the these countries. students, Prof. cause of Technical Education in Lakshminarayanan guided the India with distinction for over In March 1962, Mr.G.D.Birla Institute’s fortunes in its three decades. Even in announced the setting up of a formative years as the First retirement, his experience and higher Institute of Technology Director. Some of the counsel was much sought after. and Prof. Lakshminarayanan, distinguished visitors to the He was consulted by several along with visiting US Institute in the early years technical institutions. He Professors and Senior faculty included Shri. Jawaharlal Nehru, remained active as the from the college prepared a draft Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Shri. Correspondent of the for an Integrated Institute Morarji Desai, Mrs.Indira Gopalapuram Ganapathi Iyer incorporating all the engineering Gandhi, Dr.Rajendra Prasad, High Schools at Chennai till his and science specialisations. Dr.S.Radhakrishnan, very end. Thus was born the integrated Dr.K.L.Shrimali, Dr.Triguna ♦ “Birla Institute of Technology Sen, Dr.Humayun Kabir and and Science” (BITS), Pilani. It others.

SPRING 2006 │ BITS Pilani Alumni Magazine │ 68 The Quarterly BITSian Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

INTERVIEW BY DEEPTHA GANAPATHY ('95 PHY INSTRU) & ASHISH GARG (’97 INSTRU) THE QUARTERLY BITSIAN: PUNITA PANDEY (’84 EEE) Punita Pandey is the Chairman and CEO of netCustomer. Punita founded netCustomer in 1999 leveraging her experience in software development, management consulting, and IT services. Under her leadership, netCustomer has become a leading provider of advanced applications support services leveraging a 24x7 global delivery model. Punita finished EEE at BITS Pilani in 1984 and also holds a master's degree in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. She currently resides in Silicon Valley in California and frequently travels to India where netCustomer has a support and services center in Noida.

What are the three best we listened to the extra memories of your time at commentary given by others. Activities wise it was mostly Pilani? hanging around with friends, I also used to enjoy hanging out going to CP to have Blue Moon Pilani was a very special place at the Professors’ houses. Samosas or trekking up Pahadi for me. One never forgets what Especially during festivals like to the temple. Once we all got one did in Pilani and I have so Diwali and Holi when it was together as a group and parked many memories of my Pilani tough to go home. We would go out cycles at the base of Pahadi. days. In fact, I had to really to Professors’ houses to wish From the top, we saw some guys wrack my brains to come up them Happy Holi or Diwali messing with our bikes which, with the top three. hoping to get some good food. of course, were prized This again was unique to Pilani possessions at that time. I still We used to have these late night because it was such a closed remember vividly how a couple chai sessions just before the campus. The Professors were of us took it upon us to “save” comprees or the tests. One of always welcoming to the our bikes. Therefore, we quickly our wing mates would make tea students. trekked down at almost 100 for the whole wing around mid miles per hour without worrying night and then we will be We’d love to hear about about falling down and hurting yapping away for another hour your activities and some ourselves. before getting back to studying. [any?] courses you liked at I really miss those late night BITS? It was all about the “little chai sessions. pleasures” as you know that In general, I liked the Math Pilani does not have too many Of course, the Audi was a big courses a lot. In addition, there luxurious things to offer. fixture for anyone at Pilani. were other courses like Social Overall, it added up to a great Going to movies and creating a Engineering I and II, Economics experience. ruckus during the movies. I courses that were not the remember that we barely ever classical EEE courses. I really Tell us a little about the listened to any dialogue. Instead, liked these courses as well. transition you made from

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India to the US? What Vivek Paul who is a great brand recent Pilani trip and was surprised you? What did not only for BITS, Pilani and for amazed to listen to their ideas. you like the most and leadership in general. There are intensely dislike? many more BITSians in the Bay What do you think are the Area like Prem Jain, Naveen biggest challenges facing Growing up in India I moved Jain etc. I have met some great BITS today? around quite a bit as my dad was people from Pilani and I in a transferable job. So every continue to do so as I travel I wouldn’t call them challenges three years we would be in a around the world. but there are definitely things new city or a new state. I got a Pilani could do better. One of good exposure to varied cultures How do you think we the things is international brand and lifestyles in India. I grew up (BITSians/Indians) are building, something that with a strong belief that being distinguishing ourselves? requires concentrated efforts. different is OK and you have to What do we need to be IITians have done a great job at be comfortable in your own doing better? this. We need a grass roots skin. This was very helpful initiative to make people when I came to US. A lot of I don’t know if I am fully understand what BITS is all people ask me whether it was a qualified enough to comment on about. The onus for this falls culture shock but I don’t think India as a whole but I will take a both on Alumni as well as on the so. crack at it. I am very impressed BITS Pilani administration. with the work going on at Coming to US in a lot of ways building the “India” brand, Road access to Pilani could be has had a more grounding affect. especially at forums like the better where the government I have been in the Bay Area for World Economic Forum at needs to get involved as well. more than 5 years and this is the Davos. Going beyond being Research facilities in BITS have longest I have lived anywhere. seen as a developing country improved since the time I was a Pilani was the longest I had with cheap labor it’s really our student at BITS but substantial lived at any place in India. education system and one-of- improvements can be made on the-brightest human capital that this front as well by Have you ever worked with stands us apart. collaborating with other business professionals universities. from Pilani or even India? Our education system can be What are your impressions further strengthened by learning What can BITSians do of them in terms of from the western counterparts better/start doing to leadership skills or by making education more compete with the world’s technical abilities? broad based. Pilani did a much best? better job at providing this than I have worked with a number of most other engineering schools There needs to be an effort to BITSians in the Silicon Valley in India by really exposing connect BITSians who are and in India as well. I may be people to many more things like spread all around the world. biased in saying so but I think business aspects. India has to do There are already efforts in that BITSians are the smartest more in providing a well place by the BITSAA Silicon folks you can find any where in rounded education where people Valley Chapter to start distance the world. My experience shows are more confident to handle learning lectures at BITS. This that Pilani not only attracts the different situations while still is what students at BITS need, a smartest brains in the country being great doctors and connection to the Alumni. but also grooms people to be the engineers. best. I don’t think that BITSians As the Chairperson of the lack anything per se in their I see all these things happening BITSAA Women's Council, basic foundation. already with initiatives like the what role do you think the Centre of Entrepreneurial BITSAA Women's Council Of course, all of us continue to Learning (CEL) at BITS. I can play in the life of grow as time goes by. I have interacted with about twenty BITSian women? come across great leaders like five students from CEL on my

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is the technology of building a Business is really about growth product v/s delivering a service. and margins and it really doesn’t matter if it’s a product, service, Building a company as an or widget. It could be anything entrepreneur is much BITSian women are a strong that you may sell. It’s not the tougher than working a bunch. We as a force could be product v/s service in itself. It’s nine to five job. What even bigger in terms of some of about building something that is drives you to be an the changes we are talking sustainable, that grows and entrepreneur? about. The council is a good produces profits year over year. initiative and as we go we will Now if you look at some of the I can’t put a finger on it. One figure out more effective ways services companies, like thing I can tell you is that I to build on the network to help Infosys with over 30% margins enjoy what I do everyday. Even each other out. Let us not short directed growth year over year. with all the ups and downs and change ourselves by thinking It really doesn't matter what they there have been too many to only women can help each other offer. name them, it’s really about out. There are guys out there enjoying the downs and much as who can help us and have What we need to think about is you enjoy the ups. helped us all along. I have a ton very strong fundamentals and Entrepreneurship does give you of respect for BITSian guys. The scale which I believe is where some of the freedom to not find healthy (gender) mix and some of the Indian companies excuses. The buck stops at you competition in Pilani was one of may be falling short. I don't get and at times you really got to the best. too enamored by the product make it happen. Having that part of it. As long as there is an sense of responsibility, Has the BITSAA network innovative offering that is accountability and freedom, I been helpful to you with different, can be scaled and can think is the part that I have your Entrepreneurial be profitable. Not that we are enjoyed the most. venture? there yet. That is the key drive for me personally than how to Do you see a difference in BITSAA (as an organization) is build products. There are the style of business relatively new thing for me. I product companies that don't do between men and women? know a number of BITSians, in well and service companies that the valley as well as in India, do extremely well. Eventually I do not see any such and I have leveraged that what matters is who does a differences. When it comes to informal network in different better business and not what business there are certain ways – as a sounding board, in they offer. intrinsic qualities that transcend business partnership, in gender, ethnicity, religion and friendship and all kinds of good So it is the services “seed” race. Now that I have the stuff. Overall it has made me a that was sown x years ago experience of observing a better leader, a better person, and everybody is simply number of different leaders and more confident knowing following that? around the world, I see so many that there are all these people I things that are common and they can reach out to. Having Several companies that try to do not belong to one section of BITSAA as a concerted effort, transform themselves from a the society. It’s really being the reach out could be much services to a product company passionate about what you do bigger. go from hugely profitable high and having empathy for people. growth companies to low It’s about being decisive in Even though the Indian margin non profitable difficult situations and taking software industry in on companies. The important thing responsibility for failures. I have track to $60 billion in is to really figuring out observed these qualities in so revenue by 2010, most of it distribution channels, cost of many great leaders regardless of comes from software sales. Western companies have any affiliation. services. What do you done a better job at building a ♦ think holds back Indian better marketing of sales engines companies from launching for products better than Indian successful products? companies have. I don't think it

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INTERVIEW BY PUSHKALA VENKATARAMAN (’95 MMS) THE QUARTERLY BITSIAN REENA AGGARWAL (’74 MMS) Dr. Aggarwal is a Visiting Professor of Finance, Sloan School of Management, MIT and Stallkamp Faculty Fellow and Professor of Finance, Georgetown University. She was named among the “Outstanding Faculty” in the Business Week Guide to the Best Business Schools. She has been a Visiting Research Scholar at the IMF (2004, 2003), Fulbright Scholar in Brazil and Chile, Academic Fellow at the US SEC (1997-1999), and consultant with the NASDAQ, UN, IMF, IFC, IDB and Credit Suisse. She has a PhD in Finance from the University of Maryland and an MMS degree from BITS Pilani.

Do tell us a little about your any hostel food, we complained, life at Pilani. What are but I loved the Sunday morning some of your best dosas. memories, your friends? Who are the people who I can’t forget the cold coffee at influenced you a great “Kapur jis” in CP, cutlets at deal? What courses did Volga. The temple was such a you like etc.? landmark, just a real peaceful place. The friendships were My experience at BITS was just amazing. Last year I tried to get absolutely wonderful both in touch with about 10-12 girls academically and socially. I from our times and we all was involved in lots of activities exchanged a lot of emails. 3rd year decided to switch to MMS. I – plays – Hindi and English, have never regretted it. I think you Student Union and Meera What are some philosophies have to be passionate about what you Bhawan dining. I believe BITS of yours that have propelled do. Only then you will enjoy it and be had its first strike when I was in your success at work and successful. the Student Union; it was quite research? an event (very peaceful). We What do you think are the were very few girls, it was I try to be pretty disciplined about biggest challenges facing BITS impossible to go from Meera my work. I absolutely love what I today? Bhawan to our classes without do. The combination of teaching the guys whistling at you from and research is perfect. In BITS has already established itself in the balconies of the boys academia you are always in an India. I believe that for any reputed hostels. We had this Chowkidar environment surrounded with institution whether in India or in the of Meera Bhawan who was a young people and we as educators US the next challenge is “big” man with huge moustache have the opportunity to influence globalization. How do we reach and when someone came to their life. I got into finance outside the bounds of our own meet you he would scream because I really liked the finance country? BITS has started taking loudly so that the whole world class that I took with J K Mittal steps with the Dubai campus and could hear “Reena bhainji apko whom we fondly called Jackie. I some IIMs are doing the same thing. koi meilen aiya hey”. Just like actually went to do EEE but in the

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I am absolutely embarrassed to academics in greater numbers? say that I have not. Last year I was definitely planning to go the BITS has many more women now so 25th union but last minute I could that helps. I would encourage women not go. to have role models and mentors and chat with them to see how they What do you read to stay in managed the work family balance. touch with technology, business other fields that Your opinion about the Larry The trick is to expand while interest you? Summers' issues and its maintaining your brand. In the last year I have read – Flat subsequent controversy. World, Travels of a T-Shirt, What can BITSians do Tipping Point, Blink, Life of Pi Obviously, a lot of research has better/start doing to among other books…, regularly shown that his remarks don’t have compete with the world’s read the Wall Street Journal, any basis. I think the challenge is to best? Business Week in addition to make the workplace more women- academic journals. friendly and provide some flexibility. BITSians are extremely talented. I believe we have to network What career/personal advice Have you mentored any better. Again, I think BITS would you give the student students in particular? needs to get out its reputation community? more in the global marketplace. I mentor students all the time. They Under the directorship of Dr. Get involved in activities outside call me to ask for advice on which Maheshwari and people like the classroom. Be a positive business school to join, how to start a Dean Nattu a lot is happening. I contributor to your career with investment banks have had an opportunity to meet organization/your company. anything! I just love talking to young Dr. Maheshwari a number of minds and Indian kids are so smart times and he has a very good What is a typical day for that it’s a pleasure to guide them. I vision for BITS. you? How do you stay on would be very interested in the top of things? BITSian Mentor program. What role do you see the alumni playing in making There is no typical day in Have you ever been prejudiced BITS a world-class academia. I take teaching very against because you were a institution? seriously; I believe I have only woman? missed 2 classes in almost 20 BITS alums are doing extremely years of teaching. I generally try On the contrary! I never felt well and have a lot to contribute. to get back home at a decent time uncomfortable on account of being a In the last 3-4 years BITSAA but then I go to the office over the woman. I used the fact that I was a and Sandpaper have really weekends on a regular basis. I woman to my advantage. helped to bring the BITS travel a lot but try to keep my trips community together. These as short as possible. Any advice on how women can activities are extremely maintain a work life balance? important to keep the alums Why there are not as many engaged. I personally feel that women in academics as men It is important they try not to do BITS contributed a huge amount from Pilani? everything by themselves and that to my success and I know many they use all the help they can. There others feel that way. We are This is a global challenge. In the are only so many hours in a day and ready to give back as mentors, US, there is the tenure system they should use their support system. as recruiters, whatever we can (publish or perish) and I have just In my case my mother and the do. seen a lot of women start in housekeeper helped me to the hilt. I academia but then the demands of also try to work weekend mornings so Have you been back to family and work become too that I can take a few weekdays off if Pilani since? How was the much and they decide to drop out. need be. visit personally and ♦ professionally? What would help BITSian women enter the field of

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By Uday Kiran Medisetty CONQUEST 2006 a brief report on the CONQUEST 2006 Business Plan Contest conducted by CEL (BITS) that ran in Pilani from Nov '05 through Feb '06.

Kharagpur their business plan in detail to 5. Q Currency - IIM Bangalore the judges for 45 minutes. a unique business It’s The five short listed teams were “Scenario Discussion 1”: Teams event that helps to transform put across to eminent made a presentation to the ideas into reality. This business- entrepreneurs. Mentoring judges explaining their action to plan competition includes involved interacting with the the scenarios given to them the intensive mentoring by industry team to refine their business on the previous day. “Scenario champions and a rigorous plan, giving them a first-hand Simulation 2”: A scenario which simulation involving real-life insight into the business is common to all the teams was start up conditions. processes in the domain of the given; this scenario was a plan and helping them plug potential 10X change in the It was open to all students and loopholes. business environment. The corporations in the country. It teams needed to identify new received business plans from all In Phase 3, Conquest Finale, the opportunities and threats and industries – IT, Manufacturing, short listed teams presented their adopt new strategies. Pharmacy, Health Services, business plan to a panel of Rural Development, TH Venture Capitalists and Judges. DAY 3 - FEB 19 Infrastructure, Biotechnology. The teams then underwent a The event was organized in “Scenario Discussion 2”: process of business simulation Teams discussed with the judges three phases: Conquest Camp, where their abilities to react to Conquest Focus and Conquest about the new strategies they different hurdles, opportunities have adopted to face a 10X Finale and obstacles at various points change in the business of time are tested. The Conquest environment, which was In Phase 1, students of finale was held at BITS Pilani recognized Indian universities th th simulated the previous day. from Feb 17 – 19 , 2006. "Open Door Session”: This and interested individuals with viable commercial ideas happened in the main AY EB TH submitted the executive D 1 - F 17 auditorium of BITS Pilani. Here summaries of their business “Pitch it to VC”: Each team was the participants were tested on plans. The sixty eight entries given 15 minutes to pitch their their soft skills and their ability received for Conquest 2006 idea to a prominent Venture to manage a business. This is were screened by a panel of Capitalist. “Scenario Simulation followed by Prize Distribution prominent CEO’s and VC’s. The 1”: The teams were given two Ceremony and Valedictory short listed teams after Phase 1 scenarios which they might Ceremony. were: encounter once they start off 1. Surgitailing – IIM Bangalore their venture. The judging was Judges and mentors included 2. Cynosure - BITS Pilani done based on their analysis and Ashmeet Sidana, Venture 3. Priyamvada – Corporates decision making. These Capitalist, Foundation Capital, 4. iViZ Techno Solutions - IIT scenarios were specific to each USA, Vivek Mansingh – plan. Country Manager, DELL India CONQUEST 2006 Winners and other distinguished venture First Prize: ViZ Techno Solutions DAY 2 - FEB 18TH capitalists and technology IIT Kharagpur “Business Plan Presentation”: In professionals. Second Prize: Piyamvada, this round, the teams explained ♦ Corporates

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BY VERNON FERNANDEZ (’04 EEE) STEP INTO THE FUTURE Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and InnoHub at BITS Pilani

entrepreneurs would also be given employment for the masses. access to the tools and resources CEL also kicked off another initiative newly launched THE of the Oyster Lab and the this year titled InnoHub. The Technology Business Incubator Embedded Systems lab. Obtaining publicity material put-up by CEL has been. set up by BITS in access to tools like these will cut proclaims “We openly discriminate… collaboration with the down on almost 60% of the between those who innovate and those Department of Science and hurdles that a start-up faces. Also who don’t.” Not mincing words at all, Technology. TBI@BITS is an available will be free access to the InnoHub aims to create an ecosystem initiative to encourage library and other facilities at that guides BITSians interested in innovation and entrepreneurship BITS. These entrepreneurs could doing research in any field. in the field of VLSI and also approach the faculty for help InnoHub will connect alumni, faculty Embedded Systems. This is one from time to time. and the students to backup new of the only Technology Business research ideas with technical know- Incubators set up around the Helping out at every stage will be how, mentoring, funding and other country to offer the resources it the Center for Entrepreneurial resources. In time, a few ideas from has. Learning (CEL), BITS Pilani who InnoHub might be realized using the will provide all the possible TBI platform. TBI is exactly what the name business support in the form of suggests, an incubator. It is a mentoring, access to seed funding The last date for submitting project chance for fledgling businesses and networking events. The entire ideas for this year has just passed. to grow. The basic aim of the program can be availed of by After an initial screening, by a panel TBI initiative is to encourage anyone, though preference may be of distinguished members of the entrepreneurship in Pilani, and given to BITSians. The BITSian faculty, the best research to allow a larger audience to entrepreneurs will only have to ideas will be given all the necessary make use of the facilities pay a nominal fee for all the resources and support possible. Ideas available at BITS. services. Being on campus also ranging from artificial neural Any startup seeded out of TBI gives them the opportunity to networks to new areas of research in will be provided with office involve on-campus students in bio-pharmacy have been received. space for 18 months. These their work in the form of projects. offices are furnished with all the Although the TBI has been set-up ALUMNI necessary facilities, including to incubate VLSI and embedded facilities for Broadband Internet systems design companies, the INVOLVEMENT and tele-conferencing. The initiative may also expand to other Both TBI and InnoHub necessitate a disciplines, if the network of minds outside academia, TBI contacts participants wish to which have worked in the industry Prof. S Gurunarayanan, Coordinator use other labs of the and know industry and market [email protected] institute. Prof. S requirements. CEL is in the process of Gurunarayanan, the building a network of mentors from Anurup Mitra, Program Manager co-coordinator of the BITSian alumni, as well as through [email protected] project hopes that in 5 their referrals, in order to help the years, not only will students and entrepreneurs get in InnoHub contacts TBI be self-sufficient touch with experts in their fields. and self-sustaining, This will allow the student or Chinmay Kulkarni, Project-lead but it will have entrepreneur to gain valuable www.celbits.org fostered businesses experience and know-how, besides Abhilash Ravishankar, President, CEL. which will in turn real-world exposure. [email protected] provide more ♦

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BITSIAN START-UPS: Telesto Infotech Three BITSians from the 2000 batch set out to make it big in the Enterprise software world with Telesto Infotech

Telesto Infotech effective search and information version of the product is (http://www.telesto.co.in), retrieval tool which will address available for a Download from headquartered in Chennai is an its security concerns and the company website information technology startup database integration needs. The (www.telesto.co.in). founded by BITSian company also plans to rapidly entrepreneurs, Raghavendra possess support for a cross- The administration can be Prabhu, Saravana Raj and platform compatible metadata contacted at Najeed Ahmed Khan, from the standard. This would enable [email protected] for all 2000 batch. The company taxonomy/folksonomy features business purposes. focuses on information based on metadata extraction management, extraction and and classification, which will ABOUT THE retrieval, a critical need in this weed out manual document age of information explosion. categorization. ENTREPRENEURS The emphasis today is to Raghavendra Prabhu is the provide a ready platform to IDC (http://www.idc.com) CEO of Telesto Infotech. Prabhu extract, share and disseminate estimates the market for UDM holds a BE (Hons) EEE from such information at the click of to be close to $5.4billion and BITS. Known to take calculated a button. This would in turn help growing at 30 percent, whereas risks and spot opportunities of increase organizational Ovum (http://www.ovum.com) immense value, he has a whole productivity by: estimates an $8.8 billion market bag of ideas to implement and Minimizing time spent growing at 33 percent. Another execute. searching interesting statistic from IDC is Avoiding the cost of that the top five hundred Saravana Raj holds a dual reworking existing companies spend a whopping degree (MSc Biological information $31 billion to search Sciences and BE Hons Drastically reducing unstructured information. This, Mechanical Engineering) from opportunity costs coupled with the ever-growing BITS. The experience gained at base of digital documents the Centre for Software Telesto’s core product is a (unstructured or otherwise) and Development at BITS has honed highly flexible and customizable governmental laws requiring the his technical skills making him search solution that can be persistence of business the technical beacon of the instantly deployed to documents, makes the software company. interoperate with existing search market a pretty sizable business processes and as a one with emphasis on data Najeed Ahmed Khan: Najeed result provide seamless security and accuracy of results. also holds a BE(Hons) EEE. integration. With a profound interest in Within just five months of its entrepreneurship, prior to The company also specializes in inception, Telesto has performed Telesto, he had started up a providing high end search extremely well and has come out venture along with his batch solutions which can meet the with a product which flaunts mates for developing software specific requirements of a user friendly features and state solutions for online educational corporate entity. This will of the art technology testing. address the unique needs of a comparable to the leading ♦ customer and provide an market players. This trial

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Community Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

BY SUKANYA AND A SHANKAR PS-II AT BITSUNAMI AND THE LATEST ON OUR PROUD INITIATIVE What was PS-II at BITSunami like, on the eve of the first anniversary of the tsunami, the project takes stock

Practice School II – that famed unsolved system at BITS, Pilani, where in problems of rural engineering and science students India to produce go out into the world to apply scalable and viable solutions. knowledge gathered on campus, The thrust areas - to real-life problems. PS II at GIS based BITSunami, an NGO formed technical towards long term rehabilitation mapping of of the two tsunami hit villages resources of the two of Nagapattinam seemed a villages of strange prospect. Naluvedapathy and All initial doubts about whether Pushpavanam, we’d be involved in social work and bridging the what ‘projects’ an NGO could urban-rural possibly offer engineering students digital divide, were dispelled during a splendid 4- creating viable sanitation plans day orientation, held by BITS The 2005 Record Guinness Plantation – 2,54,464 in alumni actively involved in tsunami for use in rural rehabilitation. India – were 24 hours exciting. big picture became clear. BITSunami is not merely an NGO. It’s the platform for the wedding of Desk research, preliminary tours I was doing my bit towards putting three systems – a university, the of the villages, interaction with rural India on the road to society and administrative organs – villagers and the women’s self- technological development, I was where technical knowledge can be help groups, scouring through convinced that my work was quite a applied to nascent and hitherto huge big drop in the slowly growing pool records at of contributions and I was finally the gaining the satisfaction of having collectorate worked on a project that could help and meeting change the lives of faceless people, the ‘village rather than on a faceless project that elders’… it could get tossed into the bin later. was a field worker’s Listening to the tales of BITSians delight, an who chose to steer from the beaten engineer’s track and take roads less traveled ideal launch always left me surprised and awed. pad. But Though I had heard of computer more than scientists who had turned wildlife ever, even photographers and chemical engineers before the who had chosen to grow orchids for a end of my living, for the first time I had the first opportunity to interact with such module, my people in flesh and blood at PS-II Students conducting GIS Mapping role in the BITSunami.

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Community Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

And I made adventures out of every trip – whether it was trekking with my PSmates from Pondicherry till Rauf Ali’s FERAL field office with my PSmates, taking the bone-rattler two- hour journey to the villages from central Nagapattinam, trying to gain access to government records or being temporarily grounded in Nagapattinam when the river was in spate and communication lines were zapped…

On one of my trips, I stayed an iron- willed woman, a professional non- commercial-film maker called Revathi. She had given up her career, Dr J Radhakrishan, Collector Nagapattinam inaugurating a new to help in the rehabilitation of an Village Computer Centre extremely marginalized community called the ‘nari-koravars’. down to help in community- I proudly listened to the story of specific areas like the villages, to These people had scrambled away how well-networked alumni had help monitor the growth of the from their habitat during the tsunami reacted to the havoc wreaked by villages over the period of and did not return for a week, failing the tsunami and come together BITSunami’s Integrated to register themselves with the to help the tsunami-affected Development Program. Later, I officers enumerating affected people. with whatever financial help, studied the potential of Village Revathi and some of her friends came timely care and know-how they Knowledge Centers as an to know of them. They ensured could share, despite hectic effective rural communication tool allocation of temporary shelters, are professional lives. and a proposal for a VKC in the aiding their livelihood rehabilitation, villages and its structure and and running a school for the surviving And all through PS, I kept content was made. kids. meeting or hearing about My Project Guide was Mr. Joseph BITSians, who had Antony and BITS appointed the A tryst with the local women’s self- unhesitatingly shed corporate BITSunami Project Manager, Mr. help groups, to help out PS I students skins and their well-founded K S Venkateswaran, the PS in their surveys [which were aimed at sense of security, to help faculty. collecting information to help them marginalized and needy sections Understandably, my work took me establish small community of the society. to and from Nagapattinam very businesses] revealed their zeal in often. I was My project was a conglomerate always one. The status of development welcome of the villages was to be anywhere, identified. I collected and anytime – at collated information obtained the collector’s from the collectorate, the state office, the sub- statistics division and the local collector’s people. I moved on to the office, the identifying of Development BDO, etc. and indicators, which are monitoring I was instantly tools in developmental recognized programs, and their adaptation there as the to the rural Indian context. BITSunami Further, indictors were narrowed girl!

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Community Birla Institute of Technology & Science Alumni Magazine

plantation drive that BITSunami I met Chandra at the AID-Chennai undertook in office to learn about the primary October, and education scene in Tamil Nadu in which later general; she is a veteran in this area. became a world Her observations about attrition in record for the middle school levels and when girls highest number of drop out in the period of puberty, with trees planted in 24 the reasons thereof were revelations hours. I was in and helpful in BITSunami’s fledgling Nagapattinam for education programs. a week. Other than interacting with As I look back at my apprehensions the team there, I about my PS-II, I am more than starting off cottage businesses, got to learn the customs and grateful that I had this unparalleled that empowered them and ideologies of the village people. experience that has helped me grow, asserted their importance in The paper work, liaison with the as an individual and enhanced a facet society. The women were skilled government officials and charge of mine that I did not know existed in in mat weaving, basket weaving, of the control room on the two such great measure. making coir products and in days of the event enhanced my ♦ milk production and leadership abilities! distribution. A very inspiring BITSian I met during the course of PS is Probably the biggest learning Chandra Anil who has been experience for me was the tree- profiled in our cover story.

On Schedule Initiatives in Education By A. Shankar Our Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Venkateswaran’s advice As this edition of Sandpaper goes online, to go for an integrated transformation of the two BITSunami announces the completion of the first villages, sparked this initiative. Last year, our year of operations. Practice School students conducted surveys and did a GIS (Geographical Information System)- Taking rehabilitation well beyond ad hoc relief based resource mapping for the village, designed activities in Pushpavanam and Naluvedapathy, sanitation and water resource plans and studied BITSunami has stuck to the schedule. benchmarks for monitoring development. Both PS-1 and PS-2 students are taking an active part in the What started as an impromptu response by a few measures to accelerate the transformation efforts in alumni to a call for rehabilitation rather than a mere the villages. "donation" for ad hoc relief efforts mounted by various entities in the country, has now transformed The Trust marked one year of its fruitful existence into a five-year, million-dollar project to address the with a function in Naluvedapathy on February 9 rural-urban divide with a multi-disciplinary approach. when District Collector J. Radhakrishnan handed over three school buildings, launched a computer The commitment of BITSunami, along with the centre and distributed science kits and Tamil partner corporates, includes providing coastal learning kits to all the schools. defense mechanisms, reclaiming agricultural land, supplying boats and nets, establishing self-help APPEAL TO ALUMNI... BITSunami needs the groups, building a network of IT-enabled village support and guidance from everyone who feels the knowledge centers and a host of other activities need to contribute - in any manner. Write to K. Srikanth, Trustee, email: [email protected] or get in touch with any of the local bitsaa chapter heads.

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Alumni Corner

BY THE SANDPAPER 2.0 TEAM BITSIAN WOMEN PARTYIN’ AROUND THE WORLD

Women’s Council city can also join.” – Anita Hyderabad, October 2005 Sakuru, (’87) Meetings “Based on my experience, I Bangalore, November 2005 The BITSAA Women’s Council encourage all of you to start “It was kewl and we had real now has on-board event doing one all women’s get godd fun sharing our stories of organizers across a few major together in your respective cities the campus life at different cities. They have volunteered to and post the day that you are eras...” – (Swarn, ’99) organize regular fun & meeting. Those of us who are networking meets for BITSian travelling and in that particular ♦ women.

BITSAA Women’s Council Event Organizers

1 Vahini Argula Event Organiser, Vahini graduated from BITS in 2001, with B.E. (Hons.) EE and MSc. Bangalore (Hons.) Economics

2 Ruchi Tandon Event Organiser, Ruchi graduated from BITS in 1993 with a B.E. (Hons.) Computer Science Bangalore

3 Anuradha Event Organiser, Anuradha graduated from BITS in 2004 with a B.E. (Hons.) EE. Muralidharan Hyderabad

4 Monica Gupta Event Organiser, Monica graduated from BITS in 2002 with a B.E. (Hons.) Computer Delhi Science.

5 Priya Vattyam Event Organiser, Priya graduated from BITS in 1997, with a B.E. (Hons.)EE. Bay Area

6 Padmini Misra Event Organiser, Padmini graduated from BITS in 1996 with a B.E. (Hons.) Computer Bay area Science.

7 Krithika Kalyan Event Organiser, Krithika graduated from BITS in 2004 with an MSc. Tech. Engineering Mumbai Technology.

8 Deeptha Event Organiser, Deeptha graduated from BITS in 2000 with MSc. (Hons.) Physics and BE Ganapathy New York city (Hons.) E&I

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Alumni Corner

BITSAA Women’s Council – Bangalore.

BY BATCH BY BATCH REPRESENTATIVES Selected Class Notes Notes listed by BITS batch (entering year). For a full listing, please visit the “Classnotes” section on the BITSAA Sandpaper website.

working out funding for the next pregnancy, she now holds a PhD growth phase. in Physics and Astronomy from 1986 the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Rajesh Butta (86A6), along 1995 Sreeja is married to a BITSian, with my wife, am involved in Aravind Asokan, Ph.D.(94 Bio something which is definitely Sreeja B Asokan (nee Pharm). The Dr. Asokans live in different from any other Padmanaban) (95 Phy Chapel Hill, NC. profession being sought after. Chemical), recently defended We are consulting in the her doctoral thesis titled "Forces wedding space and run a small in Cytoskeletal Systems". After 2000 but professional outfit in Delhi. 5 years and 8 months, It might be of particular interest 13 physics courses, 2 qualifying Kaushik Mukherjee (’00 EEE) to other fellow BITSians who exams, 1 oral exam, 6 received calls from 6 IIMs and are eligible bachelors in or conference publications, 3 converted all 6. He will outside India or have children in journal publications, 1 probably be joining IIM-A. that age group. It's just been 2 undergraduate mentor grant, 4 years for us and now we are trips to India, 3 years of ♦ marriage, 33 weeks of

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