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CYBAGETIMES MARCH 2012

6 14 5 Knowing Neelam Cybage Annual Bash 2011 Ideal Partners! Editor’s Note Contents Hardly any time has elapsed since we brought out the last issue, when another issue of CybageTimes slips into your hand again! Well, the period captures a high point in Cybage corporate calendar—the 17th Cybage Annual Bash.

It was just a fortnight into the turn of the year, and Cybage was abuzz with activity. On a Friday marking Makar Sankranti celebrations, the sky was dotted with kites fl own from the Cybage terrace. The merry making for 2012 got off to a fl ying start. Watching Arun speak to ET Now in its ‘Icons of Pune’ segment Readers’ Feedback ...... 3 was a proud moment for us. The proudest moment followed close on heels—Cybage From the CEO’s Desk ...... 4 won four awards under various categories Ideal Partners! ...... 5 for excellence in IT! Arun was presented with Knowing Neelam ...... 6 the CEO of the Year Award. Within Cybage, Cybage News ...... 8 Innovation competition was a mighty harvest Multitalented Cybagians ...... 9 of ideas. Innovators seem to be evenly spread My Cybage ...... 10 across Cybage. Up Close & Personal with Raghava ...... 11 In bringing out a quick issue, we also First Onsite Experience! ...... 12 intend to commemorate the spectacular Innovation Competition ...... 13 happenings towards the end of 2011. Cybage Cybage Annual Bash 2011 ...... 14 women basketball team pitted against the Tech-Talk ...... 16 best basketball teams in Pune to bag the Tech-Smart! ...... 18 Champions Trophy 2011. A few industrious Leisure ...... 19 Cybagians earned their fi rst taste of fl ying Happenings 24 X 7 ...... 20 onsite. The members of Trek Unlimited had CybageAsha ...... 22 their most ambitious treks yet. Khushboo Charitable Trust ...... 23 While the Cybagians come away with a slew Trek Unlimited ...... 24 of achievements in 2012, the issue takes stock Winning with a Bang! ...... 26 of their repertoire of attainments from the Sports News at Cybage...... 27 recent past.

2 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Feature creative works from Cybagians CybageTimes acquaints me with the myriad colors Readers’ of fellow Cybagians’ lives expressed through their creativity, achievements, and inspirational stories. I am inspired by the stories of Cybagians. Feedback Their experiences help me stay motivated in life. I recommend adding more innovative and creative sections in CybageTimes to give Cybagians more space to showcase their talents.

Sarika Shriram Gadmade | Sr. QA Analyst

CybageTimes says it all! Cybage mirror The November 2011 issue of CybageTimes The November 2011 was like a cascade of the issue of CybageTimes events we celebrated was a fascinating blend in Cybage. Experiences… Lessons from Life of colors and fl avors. was an interesting article. The CEO’s article Features such True Professionals Win it All and Changing as First Salary, First Purchase and We are Hues of Life were morale boosters. Beating One were an interesting read. In the coming Monday Blues had good tips on handling issues, I would also like to read experiences Monday morning fever. CybageTimes is an of the seniors on time management and affi rmation of the fact that at Cybage work pressure handling. and fun go hand-in-hand. Manoj Khobragade | System Analyst Madhuri Mutyala | Sr. Software Engineer

A trip down the memory Unique blend of information lane and motivation

Flipping through the pages of The last issue of CybageTimes was CybageTimes brings to my mind brimming with information and the good times we spend in motivation. Arun Nathani’s article Cybage. The last edition featured and JK’s success tips were inspiring. Experiences… Lessons from Life. I loved it and I never tire Write-ups on Java and Cybage Certifi ed Training of reading it. In the article, there was so much to learn Program were very edifying. Features on CybageAsha from other people’s experience. For me, CybageTimes and Khushboo Charitable Trust enlightened us about the is an opportunity to know more about fellow Cybagians good work done by fellow Cybagians on the social front. and learn from their thoughts and practices. Sachin Patharwalkar | Sr. Software Engineer Sheetal Singh | Software Engineer

A mixed platter of engaging reads

Every edition of CybageTimes familiarizes us with Cybagians at different locations and keeps us abreast of the latest happenings. Experiences…Lessons from Life and Beating Monday Blues were interesting. Gizmos section generated curiosity to know about the latest technology. As a fresher, I could relate to the sentiments of greenhorn Cybagians expressed in First Salary, First Purchase. Jyothi Katravath | Software Engineer

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 3 From the CEO’s Desk

A long time ago, Vikings in Scandinavian countries that one should drill down to the roots. Since the used to live in mud huts where they struggled to whole mess seems to have been triggered by the get both light and heat. If they punched a hole invention of ‘Glass’, the solution, therefore, also in the wall to let the bright daylight come in, the must lie in getting rid of it! The ‘mental’ glass wall hut would go freezing cold. But if they blocked that separates the two worlds—professional and the opening to stay warm, they had to sit in the personal—needs to be hammered down like the dark. The advent of industrial revolution solved Berlin Wall! the problem. ‘Glass’ was invented that made it possible to have both brightness and warmth. Once the glass obstacle collapses, it’s possible for an individual to accomplish a seamless Unfortunately, over the centuries, the industrial fl ow of lifestyles between the twin worlds. In a Nature is back with revolution also ended up triggering bigger borderless world, professionals would bring home a deadlier version problems than the ones faced by Vikings. Today, the ‘intellectual’ stimulation from work place of the light and people work more, live less. The digital age and share it with their family members, thereby industry has strived to address the ‘physical’ brightening the dull home environment. Then the heat problem! work-life balance problem with somewhat fl exible same professionals would leave their homes with The intellectual hours and fi ve-day work weeks. But still, the a box of ‘warm spirit’ for cheerful spreading and stimulation at work fi ercely competitive world of survival makes it nurturing of closer relationships at work place. ushers brightness, very diffi cult for professionals to keep ‘mentally’ switching on and off between work place and And when the dividing line itself between the but the professional home. twin worlds vanishes, where is the question relationships are of work-life balance? Sure, bringing down the generally cold. Result, nature is back with a deadlier version glass wall separating brightness and warmth is of the light and heat problem! The intellectual a lot of effort; centuries-old fortifi ed structures stimulation at work ushers brightness, but the don’t come down that easily for an ordinary professional relationships are generally cold. professional. Fortunately for us, we are not talking Home, on the other hand, carries warmth of the about ordinary professionals here, are we? close ones—but let’s face it—after energy being sapped out at work, how many of us are able to enthuse excitement at home?! So, now, which invention shall we await that can bring both brightness and warmth together again?? Arun Nathani Well I am no inventor, but CEO’s job does expose CEO and Managing Director one to some diagnostic tools . Logic dictates www.arunnathaniblog.com

4 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Ideal Partners! Cybage finds favor among the best CEOs world-wide. The Cybage leadership believes in nurturing partnerships and delivering quality service. We bring to you excerpts from an interview with Jonathan J. Bush, Jr., CEO and President, athenahealth, who attributes his success to having people he trusts on his side while taking that entrepreneurial leap.

Success and leadership I along with a friend started athenahealth in the basement of my apartment. We attempted an impossible task. Initially, we did fail but we re-emerged with a sound strategy and made it big. Success and leadership are about achieving the impossible and making people you love a part of that success.

Achieving work-life balance I love my job, and there is so much to do. To strike a balance between my work and my family, I pick up my kids from school every Monday; do yoga with my wife every Friday. For rest of the weekdays, I work hard. But for a rare exception, I make sure that for business trips I do not stay away from home more than two nights. These adjustments allow me to juggle my priorities.

Book you would recommend I would recommend Reality is Broken by Jane McGonigal. It explains video gaming. The author talks about how we spent the last ten years talking about video games as a waste of time and the paradigm shift that followed and is now prevalent—the world is a video game. I believe that is a great way to understand the world and its implications. I try doing that. I get to work considering it a game, fully aware of the rules and the ways to score points. And, the best part is that you can always move to the next level!

Person you admire the most Jonathan J. Bush, Jr. | CEO and President | athenahealth I admire my uncle, George Bush, former president of USA. He Partnership with Cybage has a unique way of tickling your funny bone. And none of his jokes are ever negative. His sense of humor amazes me. Every I love the people I have met at Cybage. They have great individual has a distinct quality that can be imbibed profitably leadership qualities; they are passionate; and, I believe, they set by us—very similar to weaving fine, individual threads to create off for impossible tasks and achieve their targets. When I first a masterpiece fabric. came to India, I could not fit Pune in my itinerary. When I told Arun about this, he said, “No problem!” He boarded the first A social cause that you support flight to Chennai, and showed up at the office of his competitor. I support healthcare in India. We have eight clinics in Punjab. I thought, “Wow! Here is an entrepreneur after my own heart.” I would say I care about healthcare in general. He gifted me a miniature Taj Mahal replica. It still adorns my office in Boston. I could not stop admiring Arun’s enterprise. A place in India you would like to visit I definitely wanted to work with him. This was eight years ago. I have never been to Goa and I would love to go there on my I have been doing more and more business with Cybage ever next trip to India. since. Message for Cybagians Lasting memories at Cybage Thank you!  My first meeting with Arun is my lasting memory and I like revisiting it.

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 5 Knowing Neelam…

The description of a successful woman tends to stress her balancing act—managing work and raising kids. “She is a caring mother and a loving wife, and she is also a career woman,” is our best effort in speaking of her accomplishments. We make light of her bigger achievements at workplace. It takes someone like Neelam Sivanandan, Vice President – Travel and Hospitality Practice at Cybage, to demolish such parochial comparisons. Neelam has scaled great heights of professional success. And, it goes without saying that her family means the world to her. CybageTimes gets you to know what it means to be a woman of substance.

The beginning… trust you place in your team members. “You show trust, you Like all humble beginnings that do not always foretell a great harvest trust. That is the way to move ahead,” asserts Neelam. future, Neelam’s journey began as an unassuming girl who Her team members hold her in great respect for taking them shared the cares and fears of girls of her age. The seeds of under her professional care. On his last day at Cybage, one of passion, honesty, and determination were sown in her from her team members, full of gratitude, bowed to her feet. At this childhood. These eventually paved her way to success. gesture, our thorough-going professional was left teary-eyed!

Cybage journey Place, sometimes, plays a crucial role in unleashing one’s potential. “I joined Cybage on August 16, 2002; it’s been about 9 years; now, it feels like home, I feel an immense sense of pride and belongingness,” says she with a smile. Slowly and steadily she proved her mettle and created a niche for herself. “I thrive on challenges, and Cybage provides me the necessary adrenaline rush to evolve as a professional,” says Neelam. “We have come a long way. It has been an honor to be part of this journey from a 200-employee company to an impressive 4,000-employee company now,” she muses. A workaholic but smart executive, a no-believer in shortcuts but adept at multi- tasking, Neelam’s ardor for perfection pervades the minutest details of her task execution. The woman behind the professional Neelam as a leader Speaking of emotional strength; women are better endowed An unassertive professional is a contradiction in terms. The than men. “As a woman, you have to be strong to deal with assertiveness is welcome when it derives its strength from the

6 | March 2012 | CybageTimes setbacks and frustrations. As a woman, I feel a very supportive and loving husband in more, see more, and I sense more. It’s a gift Sivanandan. Had it not been for his immense and it works wonders in decision making,” support, I would not have been where I am says Neelam. today. And, my sons—Akash and Aryan—are To our women readers, Neelam advises, “We my lovely angels who have fi lled my life with need to break free from our conditioning joy!” “You have to be that prevents us from giving our best. Realize strong to deal your inner strength, stop worrying, and Neelam, the mother with setbacks and embrace challenges with open arms. Believe Neelam is a doting mother and would do in yourself, in your capabilities, and follow frustrations. As anything to give her children a happy and your dreams!” healthy childhood. She strives to provide an a woman, I feel intellectually stimulating environment for more, see more, Family ties them to become healthy and confi dent and and I sense more. Hailing from an army background, Neelam cherish values. “I love to cook for my sons, It’s a gift and it has inculcated strict discipline that has read them stories, play football, and spend time gardening. These activities help me works wonders in played a pivotal role in shaping her life. “I am very close to my dad. His honesty, hard unwind. Also, through these activities, I try decision making.” work, and simplicity have left their mark on to inculcate good habits in my children,” says my mind. The encouragement and support the happy mother. “My kids are proud of me from my parents has been a source of great and this drives me more than anything else strength. My mother is a very loving, caring, to excel in my work,” she adds. and strong personality,” says Neelam. “I have

Rapid Fire

Sun Sign: Taurus Hates: Dishonesty Favorite color: Blue Favorite gizmo: Blackberry Favorite pastime: Reading Favorite cuisine: Mexican, Italian Favorite dish: Puran Poli by mom Best moment: Birth of my two sons Idol: Steve Jobs, Swami Vivekananda Best holiday: Goa Must have in bag: Blackberry Favorite book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Favorite movies: Notting Hill, Confessions of a Shopaholic, You’ve Got Mail, Last Holiday

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 7 Cybage News

Cybage bags 4 National Awards in IT Excellence; Arun gets CEO of the year Cybage won four awards—two each in individual and organization categories at the National Awards in IT Excellence presented by ‘The Stars of the Industry IT Awards’. Arun Nathani got the CEO of the Year Award while Amit Gajwani, Sr. VP-Business Development, received the Young Achiever Award. Cybage won Award for Innovation in IT Industry ® Arun Nathani is the CEO of the Year for the ExcelShore model of Operational Excellence. The fourth award was for Leveraging IT for Business Performance for its ExcelShore® model of Operational Excellence and the state-of-the-art MIS and QMS. The awards recognize excellence throughout the IT industry. The key focus is on the contribution of individuals, projects, organizations, and technologies that have excelled in the use, development, and deployment of IT. The awards are presented to companies that have demonstrated leadership in using IT for business transformation, optimizing costs, developing synergies across businesses, and Amit Gajwani with Young Achiever of the Year trophy enhancing customer satisfaction.

Ritu Nathani felicitated at Women Leaders in India Awards 2011 Ritu Nathani, Director, was honored as a Leading Consultant at the 3rd Edition Women Leaders in India Awards Amit Gajwani (third from the left) during panel discussion on Talent Management 2011 held at the Taj Cybage participates in Globalization Conclave: Advantage Pune Mahal Palace, Cybage was the platinum sponsor of Globalization Conclave: Advantage Ritu Nathani commended for Mumbai. Pune—an event organized by Zinnov Management Consulting. The event exemplary work The annual served as an outstanding opportunity for networking and knowledge Women Leaders in India Awards celebrate sharing with key stakeholders from multinational companies, research and the remarkable achievements of the development centers, and domain experts. successful women leaders, entrepreneurs, Amit Gajwani was a keynote speaker in a panel discussion on talent and professionals who have played an management while Arun impressed the audience with his thoughts on ‘Pursuit important role in their respective sectors. of Corporate Happiness’.

Arun Nathani features on ET Now Arun Nathani was featured on ET Now, the national business news channel of The Times group, in the program—Icons of Pune. Arun shared the growth saga of Cybage and spoke of its contribution towards the booming IT sector in Pune. He further expressed his views on Cybage’s position and thought leadership in the global IT industry. Arun shared his experiences as a visionary entrepreneur and also touched base on how Pune has evolved as one of the strategic IT hubs.

8 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Multitalented Cybagians Time and again, Cybagians have proved their mettle in myriad fields. Be it fine arts, performing arts, or sports, our multifaceted Cybagians possess an extraordinary streak of talent. Here’s bringing to you individuals who never fail to evoke our admiration.

He derives inspiration from Lord Ganesha. From miniatures to 15-feet idols, Prashant Salunke has shaped his imagination in a variety of ways. Using household utensils, musical instruments, automotive spare parts, coins, ice-cream sticks, chocolate biscuits, oil paint cans, night lamps, loud speakers, trophies, water bottles, nut-bolts—anything that he could get hold of—then be it paani puris, Prashant has brought alive Ganesha’s various forms. He has garnered many awards for his innovations. For the past 10 years, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Decoration Committee, Pune has been felicitating him for his exceptional creativity. He has received the Best Creative Artist award by the PMC Mayor in 2004. “My exploration will never stop as I find Lord Ganesha waiting to be carved in every object,” says Prashant. Prashant is also a seasoned painter and has showcased his paintings at various art galleries. Prashant Salunke | Sr. UI Designer

When you are driven by passion, life seems like a journey of achievements. For Srinivas Kasturi too, life has been a song. A sports enthusiast, he has exhibited his winning streak in pool matches. Four times winner in Cybage pool tournaments, he has also bagged the Inter Corporate Pool Tournament Champion’s trophy twice. He has represented Cybage in inter IT football, table tennis, and badminton competitions. Srinivas showcases his talent on-stage too! His love for dance has driven him to learn many dance forms, such as Salsa, Cha-cha-cha, Jive, Rumba, and Merengue. He has performed at many shows including the Cybage Annual Bash. All we can say is that Srinivas surely knows how to don the cap of a multitalented Cybagian. Srinivas Kasturi | Technical Architect

Sports always excited him. At school, Saisundaresan L Iyer played handball and basketball at district-level tournaments and won accolades. During his graduation days, his restless spirit drove him to kickboxing. It was also a good way to lose weight, he thought. He did lose weight and also went on to excel in the sport, so much so that he represented India in Kickboxing three times, once in Sri Lanka and twice in Nepal. After joining Cybage, Saisundaresan captained the Cybage Basketball team. Dancing is another talent nurtured by Saisundaresan. He has given numerous dance performances and has also choreographed fashion shows. His unceasing desire to learn and perform gets him going. Saisundaresan L Iyer | Sr. QA Engineer

From the age of six, Deepika Vysyaraju had her dancing shoes on. As she grew, dancing became her passion. She undertook professional training in classical dance forms—Kuchipudi and Bharatanatayam—for four years. She has been awarded for her dance performances in various competitions at school and college. She has a flair for acting and has participated in many stage shows as an actor and mimicry artist. Deepika also loves to sketch and makes paintings with water colors. On the sports side, she has won accolades in kabbadi, kho-kho, and sprints. Deepika Vysyaraju | Sr. QA Engineer CybageTimes | March 2012 | 9 At Cybage, work loses its so-called nerve-racking character and becomes fun. We have Cybagians’ word for it. Cybage My Cybage work environment gives us a sense of accomplishment, self-satisfaction, and provides opportunities to forge new relationships. Cybgians pour their heart out!

Action-packed moments Among many of my pleasant memories at Cybage, the memories The learning from a project when I was a Senior curve System Analyst hold a special place One memorable for me. I still clearly remember my moment at Cybage leads working closely with me towards the project releases. that I distinctly With my leads around, working late into the nights was remember is the never stressful. There were exciting and challenging times Grow and Glow training held in August 2010. when we spent 20 hours at a stretch in office as uncertainty This was one of the best self-development had become an integral part of the project. training sessions that I have attended. With Our joy at successfully carrying out our responsibilities was 26 leads from different departments and two overwhelming. It was learning on a fast track and probably wonderful trainers—Elston and Luqman— the best hands-on training on leadership and project risk the training touched upon topics such as management that I ever had. I realized my potential during developing and managing oneself, team- this period. Thanks, Cybage! building, decision making, and so on. Being an Kiran Krishnamurti Kembhavi | Delivery Head introvert, I thought it would be difficult for me to attend a two-day training session. But the The success story training bore quick results. Towards the end, I made a lot of friends. It was one of the best When I had the promotion letter for learning experiences that have helped me grow Associate QA Manager in my hands, little as a professional. did I know that this was the beginning of Dinesh Ravi Kotiyan | my fast track growth. The fair appraisal Team Lead – Customer Support process at Cybage is to be thanked for recognizing my hard work and fairly evaluating my professional traits. Cybage recognized and placed greater confidence in my The training managerial capabilities than I did at that time. I am a senior manager master at Cybage now. Here, I have grown with each project that I have handled. Through CybageTimes I thank Cybage for placing trust in I still remember my managerial capabilities. receiving a call four years ago from the Aditi A. Kirkole | Sr. QA Manager training department, requesting me to impart training on Share- The ideal workplace Point. I always had stage fear, and even the Cybage has provided me with thought of making a presentation to a small diverse opportunities. Here, I have group sent shivers down my spine. I tried hard had the opportunity to work in to avoid, but I could not turn down the request. different profiles in various projects I ran the entire presentation in my head innu- that I have been a part of. I gained merable times and prepared myself until I was hands-on experience as a developer, QA engineer, build confident. The training batch consisted of 40- engineer, and then as a lead. I have handled these multiple 45 Cybagians. To my surprise, my session lasted roles and worked hard to make the projects a success. I for an hour-and-a-half without any hiccups! My was also appreciated by the client for my work. Executing audience was hooked on to my presentation. multiple roles has helped me evolve professionally and Since then, I have been regularly conducting has motivated me to continue working with sincerity and sessions on SharePoint technology and am dedication. enjoying every bit of it. Anand Rai | Sr. Software Engineer Atul Moghe | Sr. System Analyst 10 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Up Close & Personal with Raghava

He is inseparable from his work. Work kindles his spirits, and then begins a contemplation of technology. It’s sheer joy to follow him through a world of technology ideas and their possibilities. Meet our Technical Evangelist, Raghava Reddy, whose visionary zeal is conveyed to you in a brief chat with CybageTimes.

Humble beginning… Raghava’s initiatives were appreciated by his immediate manager Hailing from a small town in Andhra Pradesh, Raghava has and also Arun Nathani. In a gesture of naive admission, Raghava achieved extraordinary milestones in his life. And he opines, confesses, “Appreciation motivates me to deliver my best!” “The difference between try and triumph is of a little umph Star trainer (oomph). Cover that difference and success is yours!” Raghava wields an additional responsibility of conducting Joining Cybage trainings at Cybage. His passion for training is only second Finally, at Cybage, Ragahva’s love for technology spread its to technology. “Training, besides harnessing my teaching wings. “I commenced my professional journey here 11 years ago. skills, gives me an insight into human minds. It gives me Though my life witnessed many twists and turns, I always knew joy to understand the thought patterns that govern human technology is where my true calling lies. And Cybage gave me understanding,” says he. the platform I was looking for,” expresses Raghava. It seemed The other side of Raghava an affront on his passion to steer talk on subjects other than Raghava–the dreamy technologist—has other facets too. He technology. The best we could do was to quiz him on innovation. believes in creating patterns to aid his learning, and is very Indeed, innovation governs his approach at work. Raghava good at it. He did that even while learning English, tracing the doesn’t grumble but prefers to fi nd new ways of doing routine Greek and Latin roots of English words. Apart from enjoying things. This, he says, offers him an opportunity to innovate. his work, he likes to play badminton. In his leisure, he watches Challenges excite! comedy movies. Once 83 kg, Raghava has now toned himself to For Raghava, problems are instances where he exercises this a trim physique! innovative faculty and emerges victorious. “Each day that I solve If that’s not enough to demolish the image of a software a problem becomes a memorable day for me,” says Raghava. geek, Raghava attends dance classes too! “In the Annual Bash He thrives on challenges. He says, “God created us and we celebrations, I would always refrain from dancing. But not any turn to Him for life’s solutions. By the same token, we invented more, thanks to my Bollywood dance classes,” he signs off with computer and can certainly address all its problems.” It is well- a chuckle. known to Cybage veterans how every challenging and complex Plaudits! problem from every project would fi nd its way to Raghava, who Raghava is very intelligent and enthusiastic! Every day wouldn’t rest till he had conquered the problem. He is as active is a new beginning for him and he loves to evaluate and as ever. improve himself in every way possible. Motivating factors Amit Mulay | Technical Evangelist (LAMP) Recognition fi res Raghava’s zeal to outperform. He recalls his Raghava is a brilliant individual who leads by example. He early days at Cybage when he was almost wedded to work. has a practical approach. He maintains a balance between He says, “I always wanted to learn and acquire knowledge. business values and passion for technology. The idea was to make it to the top. To succeed, intelligence Ramkrishna Pawar | Technical Architect must be yoked to hard work and it needs the right attitude too.”

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 11 First Onsite Experience!

Many of us wish to experience a new culture and explore a new country. At Cybage, employees get a chance to work onsite and bring back wonderful memories to share. Here, Cybagians narrate to us nostalgic moments of their fi rst-ever onsite visit.

As my fl ight was landing at the Las Vegas for me was a I worked onsite in the US for My fl ight landed at the San Francisco airport, I was dream destination. And I a month. This was my fi rst Hartsfi eld-Jackson Atlanta airport thinking about the country went there to work! Within visit abroad. I was excited in the US, which is the largest and its culture. The work a week, I got acclimatized to but sad for the month-long airport in the world and looks like environment was friendly and the new environment and was separation from my 6-year a small city. As I excitedly lunged peaceful. The client invited me struck by the professionalism old son. Thanks to my family’s to collect my luggage, I was to every team lunch. One day, practiced onsite. Work is taken support, I could pursue this stopped by a security person, while crossing a road, I saw a very seriously there too. My opportunity. who asked me to collect it from car coming in my direction. colleague, our client point of I changed three fl ights a different belt. I was shown to a I halted to let the car go and contact, had taken care of all preoccupied with thoughts bus, which drove a mile before save myself from being mowed the arrangements. During my of how I would manage I alighted. I thought I had lost down. But, to my surprise, one-and-half-month stay, I got everything. But as my fl ight my luggage, but I got it at the the car stopped and the man to see New York, Paris, and landed in a city all lit-up at designated belt. Everything at wearing a smile signaled me Venice all in one place. You night, I was enchanted by the the airport was systematic and to cross the street. Not used would be amazed to see the view. And my fears proved streamlined. to this gesture, I was much replicas of all the three cities baseless too! Soon, I got Adapting to the new impressed. Later, I came to at one place. I said to myself, used to the new environment, surroundings was easy as the know that there are separate “Wow! This saves me all the enjoyed the local delicacies, people were very friendly at signals for cross walks to money I would have spent and got comfortable with the onsite offi ce. I would advise improve road safety for all. visiting these places.” the work culture. I was happy people going abroad not to I visited Golden Gate Bridge I also visited the Hoover Dam, and moved when my senior feel nervous and answer all the in the US—a breathtaking which is a superb work of colleague and POC at the questions confi dently. Also, they moment that will be eternally architecture. The entire trip customer end gifted a big toy should keep the immigration etched in my memory. I made was a mixed bag of surprise car for my son. slip safe with them until they sure to share my experiences goodies. I worked hard leave the US. Staying away from with my family through video during the week, enjoyed my Leena Yashodhan Kshirsagar family is diffi cult, but cheap calling. weekends, and caught up with Sr. QA Engineer calling cards make it easy to stay my old friends. connected. Shashank Vinod Lakhotia Sr. Web Developer Sumedh Shantanu Mashalkar Debanik Ray Sr. Software Engineer Software Engineer

12 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Innovation Competition

Cybagians have demonstrated that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are the foundations of an innovative workplace. Innovation Competition at Cybage 2011 provided a great environment for fertile minds to come together and stimulate some startling ideas that can make a significant impact on our lives. Here’s a brief on some of the innovative ideas that were rewarded.

L-R: Tirthal Patel - Technical Architect | Hemal L-R (sitting): Devang Shukla - Sr. QA Engineer L-R (front row): Sharada Umarane - Sr. Software Trivedi - Software Engineer | Akash Bhalara - QA | Amit Shah - Software Engineer | Sahil Shah Engineer | Sayanti Chatterjee - Software Engineer | Engineer | Nirav Patel - Sr. QA Engineer | Hemal - Software Engineer | Hiral Panchal - Software Romita Patil - Software Engineer Patel - Documentation Analyst Engineer L-R (back row): Sushil Dwivedi - Sr. Software L-R (standing): Sandip Patel - Software Engineer | Engineer | Varun Neema - System Analyst | Jayanta Hardik Shah - Sr. Software Engineer | Jinal Shah - Das - Sr. Software Engineer | Mitesh Dheman - Sr. Sr. Software Engineer | Krunal Shah - Sr. Software Software Engineer | Abhishek Gupta - Software Engineer Engineer | Kasi Prakash Sanka - Project Manager

UNO-Card Dynamic Ads Drop On Demand We developed this winning idea while Our daily agenda is to meet at Tapari and When we finalized on our idea of ‘Drop commuting in our cab from home to discuss professional and personal life. We on Demand’, we knew this had its pros office and back. Rummaging every also discussed ideas for the innovation and cons. Our only goal was to implement aspect of our practical life, we zeroed in competition here. So, we have named our this idea in a simple yet usable way. on the problem statement, “Why do we group Tapari. A common problem faced by many have to carry multiple cards, remember We thought of possible solutions to the Cybagians is transportation, especially multiple PINs, and also worry about difficulties faced in our day-to-day life. in the evenings. Carpooling is in practice security?” We knew that an answer to One day, a team member mentioned but is not always viable due to project this problem would be innovative. Thus about the boring experience of travelling priorities. Therefore, we thought of resulted UNO-Card. by public transport. We took our cue from facilitating pooling through real-time The mechanism that we developed this. The next question was what can be pooling. We knew that complex solutions aggregates credit and debit cards done to better a traveler’s experience? would be a complete no-no for the users. information into one MicroSD card The hours that people spend traveling can Our initial phase of innovation was to (UNO-Card). UNO-Card stores be made informative by providing them create a system supported by Cybage for information in different slots that can be information about the places en route. dropping people. This format would be easily written, read, and modified. It is The system on the vehicle would sense easily created on the intranet. The second an Android-based system with UNO- the major landmarks in the vicinity, and phase would be to organize pick-ups, but Writer and Reader, and an UNO-server then display ads or related information this would need proper planning. with two-factor authentication support. on an LCD screen. We are confident that We are proud to emerge as winners, It feels great to emerge as winners. this concept will revolutionize commuter although we consider all participants as display advertising. winners.

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 13 Cybage Annual2011 Bash

Pune Annual Bash An ambience extravagantly laid out, bright lights whisking away the chill of Friday evening, the tickling aroma of thin-crust pizzas and chaat, and high octave music––all of this Spectacular performance by Ukrainian dancers awaited Cybagians and their families Deepak and Sheena felicitate Vikas Verma Mika spins his magic on audience at the Cybage Annual Bash. On this dazzling party scene, Cybagians showed up like seasoned party-goers. A charming emcee ensured that the early birds had a good time. And, when the crowd had swelled to capacity, a neatly choreographed Ukrainian dance show set the tone for the evening. Deepak Nathani, COO, joined the pretty dancers in their illusory acts. Soon after, the rocking entertainer

Mika Singh took stage and stirred Cybage senior management dances to Kolavari Di the crowd into a dancing frenzy as he belted out his popular tracks. An expectant hush followed as Arun Nathani, CEO, began his speech, delivered in his inimitable style. Select Cybagians were also felicitated for successful completion of 10 years in Cybage. Highlight of the evening was the annual dance performance by Cybage Management. The audience simply loved the raw liveliness of the ripe (pun intended) entertainers! The corporate revelry also occasioned socializing with families and friends over delectable dinner. It being Friday night, Cybagians ensured that the party spirits kept soaring higher and higher.

14 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Ritu Nathani and Arun Nathani inaugurate Hyderabad Annual Bash Gandhinagar Annual Bash Cybage organized the much-awaited Annual Bash 2011 at The Pride Hotel. Ritu Nathani and Arun Nathani, along with Jaikrishnan K (known to us as JK), Vice President - SMB, graced the occasion. A welcome speech by Arun was much appreciated by the audience. Khushru Farrokh Doctor, Delivery Head, got nostalgic while speaking about his first meeting with Arun. The special performance by senior management on foot- tapping numbers was applauded by one and all. Cybage Gandhinagar rock band enthralled the audience with its spectacular performance.

Cybagians perform at Gandhinagar Annual Bash

Hearty performance by senior members of Cybage Hyderabad team

Hyderabad Annual Bash Novotel HICC was the perfect venue for Cybage Annual Bash at Hyderabad. The presence of Ritu Nathani and Arun Nathani, along with Debasis Ray, VP - CRM Excellence and Delivery, and Devdatta Rege, VP - Large Enterprises, was very heartening for the Hyderabad Cybagians. Ashish Deshpande was the guest of honor. The celebration started with a spectacular musical performance by Geetha Madhuri. A sensational presentation of various dance styles by artists from Cybage ignited the stage. The excitement hit the pinnacle when all the managers, dandily dressed, exploded into a terrific dance on popular tracks. The tiny-tots of Cybagians, the most lovable attendees at the party, displayed their Senior members of Cybage Gandhinagar team rock the floor colorful tattoos on the stage.

New York team strikes a pose during Annual Bash Cybage Inc. Annual Bash Cybage Inc. employees at Redmond, New York, and New Jersey too celebrated the annual event with gusto. At Redmond, a dinner was hosted at a posh Italian restaurant Spazzo. The spirited group played an innovative game. Everyone had to write two things about themselves which probably no one else knew. Others had to guess the person it was coming from. It was a fun-filled evening with good food and hearty laughs.

Cybage’s Redmond family Attended by more than 50 people, Cybage Annual Bash in New York, overlapping with New Year, was the largest gathering of Cybagians outside India. The event was held at Jewel of India restaurant. For the first time, all New York and New Jersey employees got to meet one another. Cybagians working onsite were also part of this bash. Interesting games upped the entertainment quotient of the do.

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 15 Tech-Talk

iOS: Revolutionizing mobile computing Well-managed ecosystem of hardware and software The iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad are dynamic mobile Apple’s mobile devices run on a hardware-software platform computing platforms that have changed the way we that is engineered to work well together. The devices, coupled communicate, work, socialize, consume Internet, and entertain with a single OS, provide a single standard user experience that ourselves today. The seamless convergence of these diverse enables uniformity in design, architecture, and functional use goals into a single mobile computing platform is what makes across related mobile platforms. these Apple mobile platforms unique and novel. Ever wondered what powers these smart mobile platforms? iOS is the answer! Apps, the tiny jewels Applications are developed using Objective-C and the powerful Apps are small, purpose-focused applications that run on COCOA touch SDK. iOS also supports application programming mobile devices. These applications represent a key aspect of using ANSI C++, Open GL, and Open AL runtimes. the post-sales platform ecosystem and are key mobile platform Attributes differentiators today. Apps can be developed by any registered Apple developer and serve a variety of purposes ranging from Though mobile smart-phones with capabilities such as touch entertainment to utility to enterprise applications. Most of interface, internet browsers, media players, GPS, Navigation the Apple Apps are developed by third-party independent tooling, and camera, among others, had existed for a very developers and are distributed through the Apple iTunes store. long time, Apple was arguably the pioneer in evolving mobile computing into a Pervasive Computing format. By maturing, Managed application delivery combining, and stitching these varied system capabilities, Apple Apple reincarnated and matured the managed application has paved the way for a seamless, greatly usable, and innovative delivery process for mobile devices. This includes a strict app mobile platform. development guideline, an app verifi cation process, an app Apple’s mobile platforms comprise devices running on the delivery infrastructure, an app merchandizing platform, an app famed OS, the iOS that today powers the iPhone, the iPad, and discovery and seamless download/upgrades infrastructure, the iPod touch. With over 40 percent global market share, iOS an integrated software/hardware DRM infrastructure, and a is widely used for mobile devices. The key attributes of iOS seamless state, data replication service (iCloud). A sum total of include: this is visible to device users in the form of the Apple iTunes • Ground-up robust security model store and the iTunes app on the mobile devices. • Device management infrastructure This managed application delivery process means having the ability to sell apps without any marketing background, brand • Highly optimized power management infrastructure recognition, access to payment tools, knowledge of local • Highly user-friendly user interface markets, and without worrying about loss of revenues in casual • Seamless networking copies and piracy leaks. Apple’s managed app distribution • Multi-tasking, multi-threading, and remote administration process has now become an industry norm with all leading capabilities mobile platforms creating a similar App store and application Apple is known for its Apps Store, the downloadable programs, distribution infrastructure. and a rich post-sales developer ecosystem that extend the platform’s core capabilities in varied ways. Most signiﬁ cant innovator Consumers, designers, and developers have access to the Beneﬁ ts ever-evolving ecosystem with Apple devices as the devices are Single OS for a variety of devices constantly upgraded with advanced hardware capabilities and iOS allows leveraging the same development skill-set and same ever-evolving operating system capabilities. application investments across different Apple mobile hardware. 16 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Challenges NFC is a short range wireless technology that allows secure communication between devices that either touch each other or Proprietary and closed standards are momentarily held close to each other. The NFC chip would The entire iOS mobile stack is proprietary, closed, and self- also carry a secure element to store and exchange data in NFC regulated. Unlike its key competitor Android or its desktop interactions. NFC is envisioned to change the way we make card counterpart Windows, the iOS is designed to run only on Apple payments and exchange small pieces of information. devices. This essentially means that the entire eco-system is completely locked. Apple has developed its own programing iCloud language, its own SDK, its own UX guidelines, and its own Apple is probably one single provider today in the mobility unique application delivery. This includes the infamous “no segment that is a mobile computing technology provider, a support for Flash” on iOS, which has substantially altered the personal computing solution provider, and also an emerging direction of Web content evolution. It is a vendor-lock for Consumer Electronics provider. With this directional evolution consumers, telecommunications service providers, developers, in vision and in extrapolated execution, Apple is continually and OEM technology providers. However, as with any other creating an ecosystem of connected personal mobile devices. vendor, a vendor-lock is good if the vendor is good. So far, The Apple AirPlay and iCloud are the two most significant steps Apple has been highly focused on its consumers and its in this direction. developer community, and the vendor-lock has worked in their The iCloud is an Apple Cloud service that stores and favor, but with the exception of the infamous “no support for synchronizes application data, application state, and personal Flash” on iOS. data across a user’s Apple devices and applications in a Rapid evolution seamless, pervasive, and non-obtrusive method. The iCloud also combines the erstwhile Apple MobileMe services (remote device Mobility is still an emerging technology and, as with all tracking, detection, and configuration control). emerging technologies, the evolution rates are rapid. For consumers, it brings in refreshing technologies at a rapid pace. Siri However, it poses a constant challenge to developers and seeks Apple continues to innovate Human Computer Interface (HCI) a continuous resource and capital commitment on the part of radically and fundamentally. Apple’s Siri is a new HCI technology ISVs. that combines Human Speech recognition, Natural Language Enterprise readiness processing, and Neural Cognitive abilities. Siri is an intelligent personal assistant that has conversation capabilities and is also iOS and the Apple mobile devices both had been purpose an alternate user interface for iOS applications on the iPhone 4S. engineered as consumer devices from the very start. This has brought in great consumer focus that also met with iOS at Cybage a proportional widespread adoption of the platform as a iOS is a highly evolved operating system, which brings consumer device. However, there is a cross-cutting trend enormous opportunity for consumer-centric creative emerging with CIOs encouraging BYOIT (Bring your own IT) applications and also reasonable maturity for enterprise within enterprises—iOS devices are getting ready for this. solutions. Cybage realizes the potential and value of mobile Future roadmap computing and its deep impact on the evolution of pervasive computing. Converged-to-Integrated communications and media experience We work on various platforms that are consumer, enterprise, and vertical-centric. With its dedicated Center of Excellence When the iPhone hit the market, it was a mature convergence on Mobile Computing, Cybage focuses extensively on Mobile device bringing in a usable navigation tool, music player, video Computing and is a leading solution provider to various player, mobile browser, photo viewer, mobile phone, and e-mail customers including Fortune 500 companies. device. With a roadmap of a Converged and Integrated communications and media experience, Apple is taking the converged experience to the next level. This includes the Mac (for work), the iPad (for browsing), the iPhone/iPod, the Apple TV, and maybe the future holds an Apple camera and an Apple infotainment system––all seamlessly connected and integrated with technologies such as AirPlay, iCloud, and NFC.

NFC on iPhones Apple has announced its plans to have the iPhones carry a Vikas Verma | Vice-President special chip called Near Field Communication (NFC) Chip. Emerging Technologies

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 17 Unfold the thrills! I own an Xbox Kinect that’s quite advanced compared to the traditional gaming consoles that are more about point-and-click or press-and-slide. For me, Xbox Kinect is essentially a great way to stay fit. Doing away with controllers and game pads, Kinect responds to your body movements. It encourages you to break away from the confines of the fattening couch and embrace a fun regimen of jumping, tumbling, and rolling. What better way to burn those extra calories! From full fitness programs to sports, Kinect helps me transform my workout routine. Besides, the live membership at Xbox allows me to access multimedia content online. It can be used for video calling and comes with built-in applications such as Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube. Sanju Desai | Delivery Manager

A noteworthy feature Samsung Galaxy Note comes with a unique feature called S Pen that lets you capture ideas Tech-Smart! quickly and easily. The S Pen coupled with full Breaking a sweat in the comfort of touchscreen creates a unique mobile input your homes without your realizing experience. This advanced pen input technology feature is known for its speed, precision, and it, tidying up your illegible scribble, pressure sensitivity. The S pen allows me to doing the otherwise boring reading write notes easily or sketch drawings with for you, or keeping count of every effortless accuracy. calorie lost during your anticipative Empowered by this feature, I can now focus walks. Here are a few tech-savvy more on the illustrations on whiteboards without worrying about committing them to Cybagians, talking about an interesting paper. I capture the illustrations with the built-in feature of their gadget. Read on. camera; later, I annotate the points relevant to the discussion and highlight them with S Pen. I can also add hand-written memos in S Planner. This is an ideal feature for corporates and people in business. It offers complete freedom to capture ideas instantly. After all, it is the Galaxy Note! Fitness trainer Yogesh Kshatriya | Technical Architect My iPhone 4G is my personal fitness trainer! It has built- in support for Nike+ that I use for my morning walks. This line of Nike shoes have a built-in slot for iPhone sensor that tracks the total number of kilometers I cover during my walks and the calories I burn. This way, I keep a check on my weight. I can also publish my workout online, share it with other Nike+ users, and compare a day’s workout with my best average time. The fact that I can calibrate my workout helps me stay focused on my fitness regime. It makes the results of the workout tangible. I have lost 10 kg in three months. Isn’t it amazing? Jayanti Ramkrishna Murty | Senior Project Manager

18 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Computer graphics | Ram Joshi | Sr. UI Designer

Leisure

Acrylic color painting | Minal Patil | QA Engineer

Pencil portrait | Yogesh Sapre | Content Writer

Photography | Vishal Chouhan | UI Manager

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 19 HAPPENINGS 24 X 7 HAPPENINGS 24 X 7

Inter-IT Cricket tournament | Pune

Inter-IT sports competition winners | Pune

Cubicle decoration | Pune Rooftop cafeteria | Pune

Makar Sankranti celebrations | Gandhinagar Christmas celebrations | Gandhinagar

20 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Makar Sankranti celebrations | Pune Pool session in progress | Pune

Unwinding with a game of Volleyball | Pune Republic Day celebrations | Pune

Cricket Premier League winners | Hyderabad Makar Sankranti celebrations | Hyderabad

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 21 CybageAsha—bringing about a positive change in society CybageAsha is committed to extending frontiers of empathy and has made impressive contributions in this endeavor. To fill up the gap between the haves and the have-nots, it has initiated many social welfare projects. Here is a look at some of the recent project activities.

Helping hand to Inlaks and Budhrani hospital Santa at Door Step School

CybageAsha has tied up with Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s Inlaks CybageAsha celebrated Christmas 2011 with students from and Budhrani Hospital in Koregaon Park, Pune and donated Door Step School. This school provides educational facilities ` 10,00,000 to Sadhu Vaswani Trust in the year 2011. This to the community children and the children living near contribution was made as part of a new program introduced construction sites. CybageAsha organized fun games, slide by CybageAsha under its Welfare Project for needy patients. shows, and gifted woolen sweaters to the kids. Enthusiastic Monetary support will be extended to under privileged patients volunteers from CybageAsha made this Christmas memorable for treatment, including surgeries, of life threatening diseases. for everyone present. CybageAsha plans to have a long term association with Door Step School. De-addiction drive at Khulewadi

Addiction to vices leads to severe impact two years. Here, community people are away their addiction successfully and on the addict’s life. Immediate family, provided counseling and medical aid. have been living an addiction-free life for finances, and the individual’s health On the occasion of Republic Day, more than a year were felicitated on this and capacity to work are all negatively CybageAsha organized a community occasion. affected. To address such issues and help awareness activity along with a felicitation CybageAsha has been conducting several the affected people, CybageAsha also has program here. The objective was to awareness programs from time-to- an active de-addiction project along with encourage patients to continue with time for the betterment of Khulewadi its other social welfare projects. Under their de-addiction treatment and create residents. this project, it has been operating a de- awareness about its activities in the addiction drive at Khulewadi for the last community. Patients who have kicked 22 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Khushboo Charitable Trust–Changing Lives!

The benefi ts of education cannot be exaggerated. Education is the greatest good for all of us. Khushboo Charitable Trust, the philanthropic arm of Cybage Software, has been continually supporting the cause of education to transform lives of the less fortunate. Here, some of the benefi ciaries share how Khushboo Charitable Trust has helped them in their academic pursuits.

Khushboo Charitable Trust has showed I did not have adequate resources to me the way to a promising future. For pay my school fees for Std. XII because someone in my circumstances, the dream my father was unemployed since last of studying in a reputed college would three years. There was nobody to turn have remained just that—a dream. Thanks to for help. Khushboo Charitable Trust to Khushboo for recognizing my efforts stepped in, understood my plight, and and supporting me. after verifying my academic credentials I am living my dream, and I feel proud! and fi nancial constraints, offered me a scholarship. Thanks to this aid, I can Khushboo comes as a blessing in the continue my studies uninterrupted. lives of the underprivileged students who Khushboo also provides guidance for cannot afford good education because of personality enhancement, academic improvement, social and fi nancial constraints. and development of communication skills. Sanjay Sirswal, BCA student | Jai Hind College of Commerce, I plan to pursue Engineering or the Bachelor in Computer Pune Applications course. I can dare to dream big as I have Khushboo to support me in my educational endeavors. I secured 92.55 percent in matriculation (Std. X). I wanted to pursue Diploma in Tushar Kale, Std. XII Student | Sadhana College, Malwadi, Pune Mechanical Engineering but the course fee was beyond my fi nancial means. I was confi dent of getting impressive So, I decided to let go of my aspiration. grades for CET but doubted whether I Then, something unexpected happened. could pursue my childhood dream of Khushboo Charitable Trust came forward becoming a mechanical engineer. I knew to help me. my father with his meager means could never afford my dream. The scholarship Khushboo sponsored my fees and this offered by Khushboo Charitable Trust offl oaded a huge burden from my mind. was God-sent for me. Thanks to this help, Now, I only have to study hard. As a result, I am an engineering student in a very I have secured 85 percent in the fi rst year of my diploma. I am reputed college of Pune–VIT. My parents sure, after the course, I will get a good job and will be placed are so happy! They tell everyone that well in life. I will extend help to the needy like me once I am their son will soon be an engineer and how grateful they are to capable of doing so. Khushboo.

Khushboo also holds students’ meets for the students I thank Khushboo for the fi nancial support and continued it sponsors. I fi nd these sessions very inspiring. If every academic guidance and moral support! organization can work for the cause of education like Khushboo, our society will be completely transformed. Abhijeet Balasaheb Londhe, Engineering student | Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, Pune Sachin Ganesh, Mechanical Engineering Diploma student | Cusrow Wadia College of Engineering, Pune

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 23 Trek Unlimited

Having a rendezvous with history, enjoying a swim in pristine rivulets, and lying in nature’s lap––Trek Unlimited has the repute of bringing to adventure-loving Cybagians such explorations season after season.

Kalsubai A team of 32 Cybagians achieved the enviable distinction of trekking to the top of the highest peak of the Sahyadri range of mountains in Maharashtra. Kalsubai stands at 5,400 feet and commands a fantastic view. The peak-top has a temple of deity Kalsubai. Climbing frail ladders, wading through chilly water, and low visibility were a few of the challenges faced by the group. The clouds curled around affecting visibility, and the peaks dotting the Sahyadri range blocked the view of the bottomless valley. On the way, they caught a breathtaking sight of the Bhandardara backwaters. Standing at the highest point in Maharashtra, they were under the spell of the picturesque beauty surrounding them. Later, our dare devils offered prayers at the Kalsubai temple and thanked the deity for a safe and successful expedition.

Impulse to Trek member of Trek Unlimited shares, “I face a volley of questions: Some brave hearts choose to trek to appreciate the untouched How fi t do I need to be? What would be the accommodation beauty of nature, watch sunset and sunrise, and walk by a like? What is the best season for trekking? There is no end to gurgling brook in the woods under a moonlit sky. They enjoy the queries. However, after the fi rst trek, things smoothen out the adrenaline rush when negotiating diffi cult rocky patches and for the new trekkers in the group.” fi nd trekking a very satisfying experience. Preparations Trek at Cybage Our trekkers believe that surfi ng the Internet is the best way “It is not mountains we conquer, but ourselves,” this belief was to mark new locations for trekking. Internet also helps them the cornerstone of Trek Unlimited, which was formed in 2008 research about weather and analyze the local terrain. Exciting by a handful of Cybagians. Now, it comprises 352 members. On narration of various trekking expeditions from others also help an average, the group organizes two treks every month. A new discover new places for adventure. Ketaki Ratnaparkhi cautions location is always sought after. All the activities of the club are that weather must never be taken for granted. There can be planned and executed by the Trek Unlimited Committee, which unexpected changes in weather conditions and trekkers have consists of a group of Cybagians who are veterans in the fi eld of to be prepared. While the list of must-haves can be long to be trekking and allied activities. Their rich experience and expertise well-equipped for the unexpected, the mantra to trek with ease forms the base for all the successful trek events organized at is to carry minimum weight in the backpack. Cybage. Checklist FAQs According to the pro-trekkers from Trek Unlimited, a water For trekking you don’t have to be a super athlete or a bottle is essential. Dyaneshwar Daspute suggests carrying high mountaineer. Yet, there are many questions in the mind of a new energy dry snacks, plates, spoons, carry bags, and newspapers trekker. Not fears, but inhibitions! Amit Dandawate, an active for an overnight trek. Trekkers always carry things such as an

24 | March 2012 | CybageTimes emergency kit, torch light, army knife, sleeping bag, match box, mosquito repellent, raincoat, and spare fully charged phone, camera, and torch batteries. It is also advised to trek wearing a pair of good sneakers. Jivdhan

Learning With each trek, the group gets more adept at overcoming difficulties. It is a lot of fun and adventure minus the stress of adult life. As Dhiraj Gaikwad puts it, “I can compare the fun and adventure associated with trekking only with my school days.” Many members have learned that trekking involves teamwork; every team member from Trek Unlimited is ready with a helping hand for fellow comrades. Trekking gives everyone a sense of accomplishment Hadsar and fond memories to cherish. The group strives hard to make every trip a unique experience. The Famous Five Creating challenges, meeting them, and parking them as feats in the list of achievements are a way of life for the Cybage trekkers. An excellent example is the expedition they undertook to conquer five historical forts that dot the high summits of the Sahyadri range. A group of 23 enthusiastic trekkers from Cybage embarked on a journey to trek five forts in two days. This is the most famous and difficult trek in the mountain range of the Sahyadri and is popularly known as the Famous Five. It was a test of strength, stamina, and mental rigor for the trekkers as they made this further challenging by setting themselves a timeline of two days. As the name suggests, the famous five consists of five forts—Hadsar (3,200 feet), Chavand (3,400 feet), Shivneri (3,500 feet), Jivdhan (3,754 feet), and Naneghat (2,500 feet). Of these, Jivdhan and Naneghat are the most difficult forts to access. But challenges only fire the spirit of the adventure lovers, and when such challenges are hidden in idyllic retreats, it adds to the joy of unraveling them.

Shivneri Chavand

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 25 Winning with a Bang!

Arduous practice, unwavering focus, and a perfect blend of zest and togetherness resulted in a roaring success for Cybage Women Basketball Team. Cybage ladies have done us proud by winning the Inter IT Women Basketball Tournament. We bring to you their journey from being amateurs to reigning champions.

Inception The reigning champions! It all started with the hunt for Cybage Women Basketball Team. Cybage team, on its way to championship fi nals, won all pool Initially, just three hands shot up–Rucha Ballal, Tanvi Shidore, matches except one. In the fi nale they had to not only outsmart and Preeti Tekale. All three had played basketball at various the opponents in skills but also wits as they were pitted against levels. But, the team was incomplete. They began searching a team they lost to in the pool matches—though by just one for other promising players. Enquiries were made, mails were point. exchanged, and eventually, Kritika Kumar, Sheetal Singh, Soniya And the team did not disappoint. As the game progressed, Shinde, and Anamika Mishra came forward. The team was our team showed increased strength and endurance. With an formed! exceptionally well-coordinated performance, the Cybage team Practice sessions were organized. Countless dodges and took the lead in the last quarter of the game. dribbles were practiced to perfect fi eld maneuvers. They were The fi nal whistle was blown and the Cybage team was on the steadily improving at the game. However, for this new team, crest of a wave. It was the moment to embrace the trophy! winning was not crucial, performing was. Watching them play, nobody could tell that they got to know one another only recently. They teamed up so well.

Winners speak Being an avid sports lover, I enjoyed every moment of the game. Every time I scored a basket, it boosted my confi dence. I am glad that I could make an impressive contribution to our victory total in the fi nal match; I truly believe it’s our team effort and positive energy that brought the best out of us. Preeti Tekale | QA Engineer

I was playing after a gap of 6 years. The ball, the court, the hooting and cheering, the nervousness, the thrill of converting a shot into basket, it all felt so nostalgic. I had a great time! Kritika Kumar | Software Engineer

Playing our fi rst match and winning it was very gratifying. I could not believe it when we posted our fi rst victory. After the win, we knew no stopping till we bore away the Champions trophy. Rucha Ballal, Captain of the team | Sr. Database Administrator

26 | March 2012 | CybageTimes Sports News at Cybage The nervousness before the game, the fiery competitiveness, the burning desire to win, and the winning shot…that’s the picture straight from Cybage’s sporting arena. The sports events held at Cybage contribute to its healthy and happy work culture. Here are Cybagians who made a mark for themselves in various in-house sports events held in Pune, Hyderabad, and Gandhinagar. Table Tennis Tournament 2011 | Pune

Winners Men’s doubles Nitin Sant & Shashank Kulkarni Women’s doubles Preeti Tekale & Farheen Hussain Men’s singles Shashank Kulkarni Women’s singles Richa Saksena Mixed doubles Ratish Ratusaria & Preeti Tekale Runners-up Men’s doubles Ravi Verma Kummari & Karthik Kumar Rajupeta Women’s doubles Aishwarya Gokhale & Richa Saksena Men’s singles Nitin Sant Women’s singles Preeti Tekale Mixed doubles Tirtha Dasgupta & Sapna Kushwaha

Table Tennis Tournament 2011 | Gandhinagar

Winners Men’s doubles Chetan Visodiya & Alpesh Joshi Women’s doubles Kavita Patel & Apexa Prajapati Men’s singles Chetan Visodiya Women’s singles Kavita Patel Mixed doubles Kavita Patel & Santosh Ambwani Runners-up Men’s doubles Darshan Dalwadi & Samir Pandya Women’s doubles Urvi Desai & Shivalika Jain Men’s singles Hardik Mehta Women’s singles Apexa Prajapati Mixed doubles Chetan Visodiya & Urvi Desai

Cricket Premier League 2011 | Hyderabad, Avatars versus Spartans

Winners - Avatars Sudhakar Reddy Ravi Sharma Rajesh Madhavan Shivakanth Dacharaju Naresh Pakalapati Mohammad Jaffary Satish Shinde Vamseekrishna Goddelagala Sourav Patnaik Shankar Mattaparthi

CybageTimes | March 2012 | 27