My 2nd Article in Education Times - this time on CPT

SUBJECT SMART

WITH THE COMMON PROFICIENCY TEST (CPT) ONLY A FEW WEEKS AWAY, ASPIRING CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE BUSY WITH FRANTIC PREPARATIONS. SATSHEEL REDKAR, ALL-INDIA TOPPER, CPT-2007, SHARES SUBJECT-WISE TIPS ON HOW TO ACE THE EXAM

Entering the final few weeks, the last lap, and the foremost lunge towards the CPT? You have prepared for months, all through your Class 12 exams and devoted a lot of time, effort and patience. But what can you do to give your preparations the perfect finishing touch? What does it take to ensure that your name features in that elite list of merit rankers?
The Common Proficiency Test, or the CPT as it is more popularly known, is the entry level ie lowest/first level at which a student can start pursuing the Chartered Accountancy course. Till a few months ago, one could begin their Articleship training right after clearing CPT, however the rules have changed and now one also needs to clear the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) after clearing CPT to begin the Articleship training. The revamped format should put less pressure on students, as now the fate of which firm they train with does not wholly rest upon the CPT scores.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to put in your best in CPT and to begin with, you need to first assess yourself and understand where you stand. Only once you realise how prepared you truly are, will you be able to move ahead in the right direction. The CPT is made up of four distinct subjects divided into two sessions.

SESSION – I
(Two Sections– Two hours – 100 Marks)

Section A: Fundamentals of Accounting (60 Marks)

Section B: Mercantile Laws (40 Marks)
SESSION – II
(Two Sections– Two hours – 100 Marks)

Section C: General Economics (50 Marks)

Section D: Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks)

The current guidelines of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, India (ICAI), the statutory body that conducts and regulates the CPT, say, A candidate shall ordinarily be declared to have passed the test if he obtains a minimum of 50 per cent marks, subject to the principle of negative marking, in a manner as may be specified by the council from time to time. In its current format, the negative mark-ing is 25 percent or one-fourth of a grade.

‘SUBJECT’IVE SMARTNESS

1. Fundamentals of Accounting
The ICAI certainly lays more emphasis on this subject as is evident from the marks weightage. Since this is the base of your CA career, you are expected to be strong with the fundamentals. The basic concepts should be studied thoroughly and one should pay more attention to theory, as previous years have seen more weightage being given to theory questions. Manish Modi, a practising CA who teaches accountancy at Pinnacle Education advises, “Students must concentrate on mastering the theoretical questions that can be asked from various aspects of the syllabus.”
Since long questions cannot be asked for one mark, CPT usually has a. One long problem and four-five small
questions based thereupon b. Small questions for one mark each Hence one definitely cannot leave the lengthy questions while studying as that means risking four or five marks at one go.
Apart from the theory questions, areas that could be focussed upon include calculating depreciation via various methods, computing discount/ interest on bills, consignment and joint venture problems, goodwill, and others.

2. Mercantile Laws
Assuming the CPT to be the first time that many students study law, the syllabus covers basic and structural laws. Beginning with the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Sections 1 to 75); the Sales of Goods Act, 1930 and the Partnership Act, 1932 are included herein. Keshav Thakkar, who secured the fourth rank in CPT-2008, explains, “There are three acts of which, The Contract Act is undoubtedly the most important and complex. Case studies/ illustrations for the provisions are a nice way of understanding the relevant laws. It is best to clear out all of one’s doubts and leave no ambiguity before the paper.”
Dhawal Vora, who had missed the All-India merit of the CPT (August 2007) by merely two marks adds, “Be clear with similar sounding concepts in order to avoid confusion during the exam. The ICAI is known to test you on such concepts.”

3. General Economics
General Economics is made up of two parts – Micro and Macro.
In Macro-economics, expect around four-five questions on statistics. Also, there have always been a few general knowledge questions in relation to economics. So, it would do a student well to start reading the newspapers. While seeming trivial, these marks prove useful in turning average/ good marks into a merit rank-deserving result. Vora, now a final year CA student, from his own experience shares, “It is essential to have a good grip on economics so that you can complete the 50 questions quickly. This will leave you with ample time for Quantitative Aptitude. Prepare yourself to wrap up economics in not more than 20 minutes.” He says he finished economics in only eight minutes but was still just barely able to finish Quantitative Aptitude.
Another important piece of advice from Mahesh Deshpande, General Economics teacher at Gurukul Academy, is, “Although you will not be asked to draw graphs, it is important to practise them to get the required conceptual clarity.”

4.Quantitative
Aptitude
On Quantitative Aptitude, Sudhir Kamath, who teaches Mathematics at Eskays Learner Academy, says, “One should focus on the basics first which have to be strong. Study the entire module which should generally guarantee you a score of 40+ in Quantitative Aptitude. During the exam, it would be better to attempt the economics paper first and to try and finish it within 40-45 minutes. The balance should be kept for Quantitative Aptitude.” He also says that as a strategy, ‘do not waste time on any one single question.’
While the module covers many things, it is just enough to perhaps score average marks. To do better than most, you will also have to put in more effort than is expected of most. Try reading from other sources on certain topics. This applies especially for statistics and particularly the last chapters.
Hrishikesh Samant, Rank 3, CPT (August 2007 ), has a few suggestions for students studying Quantitative Aptitude, “Write down all mathematics and statistics formulae in a book and do repetitive reading. Also get comfortable with using the calculator. It proves a boon in an exam alongwith learning the shortcuts. If you have the time, then practise from other books. Do not forget to time yourself in such a manner that while solving, one problem does not take more than a minute and a half or two at the maximum. This will help you conserve time for the tough questions.”
When one sees the CPT as a whole, one comes across four subjects at a time. Here is where management tactics come into play. So how does one balance time amongst the four subjects?
Again, Samant offers some very important tips.

a. In economics, undertake rapid reading (as many number of times as possible) so that you can make out the correct statistics out of the four options that are given in the MCQs.

b. For accounts, focus on Schedule VI disclosures and scan through Basic Accounting Standards (Chapters 1, 2, 6, 9, and 10) apart from Basic Accounting Conventions and Assumptions.

c. When looking at Quantitative Aptitude, preferably revise only formulae and try solving papers.

d. Review all the important provisions and check if you can recollect its content and a related case/ example when revising law.
In addition to the above Thakkar advises to solve the model question papers provided by ICAI to gain sufficient practice. He says, “Law and statistics are the subjects to focus on in case you want to cross 160. Statistics carry a very high weightage in the 50 marks paper.”

Some general suggestions to keep in mind:

1. Since it is a multiple choice questions-based exam, one need not mug up everything. A general idea on most things will help in answering correctly as after seeing the options it becomes relatively conveni ent to recall the right answer.

2. If the ICAI persists with the 25 percent negative score, the probability is that of every four questions that you answer, one might be correct. Thus, the equation becomes +1 - 0.25*3 = +0.25. On the other hand, if you don’t answer any of the four questions, you straight away lose those four marks. But then, do your own math and this certainly does not mean that you fake anything!
3. If you have started studying only now, start with the basics of accounts and economics and become thorough with it. Study micro-economics first and then head over to macro. In Quantitative Aptitude, practice the statistics part well in addition to probability and permuta tions and combinations. Studying the initial parts of The Partnership and The Contract Act would do you well too.
4. As Thakkar says, “The study material is the primary basis on which the papers are set. Studying from other books should be in addition to and not instead of it”.
5. And finally, get off the internet and concentrate hard on your studies. This one month of hard work will ensure better returns later in your life. Good luck, follow the given tips, and do well!

Tele Tales - My CEB Lead EducationTimes Article

TELE TALES

DID SOMEONE SAY ‘SMALL SCREEN’? THE ERSTWHILE POORER COUSIN OF MOVIEDOM HAS GOTTEN LARGER THAN LIFE, AND IS IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN. SATSHEEL REDKAR AND MILI SEMLANI PRESENT DETAILS ON THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO TV WANNABES

Lights, camera, action! These words might conjure images of Bollywood glamour and song and dance routines, but as with everything else in the entertainment business, times are achanging, and the focus of a large part of India’s acting talent, has switched to the booming television industry. Saonjivkumar Pahwa, Co-Producer of Baabarr, explains, “Many people are intent on being seen on, or working for the big screen, and are willing to work for less money. As a result, character/ junior artists are paid less in movies than they would be paid for working in television shows.” This is one of the factors that has made the television industry very popular with professionals. According to a FICCI-KPMG survey, the television industry is projected to grow
at a rate of 14.5 per cent over the next four to five years, attaining the Rs 473 billion mark. No longer the big screen’s poorer cousin, the television industry in India (the third largest television market in the world), has witnessed the launch of a slew of new channels in recent years. Whether it’s daily soaps, comedies or reality shows, musical programmes or quiz shows, there are a host of opportunities for aspirants in the television business today.
SURFING CHANNELS
While film may be a competitive, difficult medium to start with, the sheer number of television shows and channels ensure many aspiring actors get a break, and perhaps, later move on the big screen. Besides acting, opportunities in the television industry include direction, cinematography, editing, script and screenplay writing.
PRODUCERS: The television industry offers aspirants with an interest in production, an open platform to step up and prove themselves. After completing a TV production course, students can start their careers as independent producers or executive producers. There is also the option of working with a producer as his assistant. A television producer’s responsibilities begin with making certain everyone makes it to the set on time, to ensuring all production activities proceed smoothly until the end of the post-production stage, when the show is ready to be screened. Pahwa agrees, “A producer has to do everything, right from conceptualising the show, to acquiring finance, and project and time slots from the channel, to making arrangements for food and lights. But he has to start with enlisting the services of a director and writer.” There are innumerable TV channels in India that offer jobs to students trained in the field. You can join a TV channel that is of interest to you, or opt to work for a specific programme.
Actors: If you intend to act on TV, you might need to brace yourself for hectic schedules, with shooting continuing even until the last minute for daily soaps. Tanvi Hegde, who plays the protagonist in Son Pari, offers, “Talent and passion coupled with formal education and a sound knowledge of technical know how paves the way to success in this industry.” Even so, acting is a tough profession, so be prepared to struggle initially, when you queue up for one audition after another.
As Gautami Kapoor, popular television actress reveals, “It is a myth that television is a lucrative field. The struggle period is too long, while success can be short lived. Your initial remuneration can be as meagre as Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 per day. The field is extremely competitive and uncertain, and people in the industry follow the mantra, ‘out of sight is out of mind’.” She also stresses that long, incessant working hours leave little or no time for a personal or social life. The working conditions can be strenuous, and with no fixed job hours, television can be a very challenging work atmosphere. Junior artists get an even worse deal. They might need to report to the set at 7
am, when all they have is a five-minute role at 7 pm. Chitralee Chogle, a college student in Mumbai, is an aspiring artist who has acted in a few television serials, and also worked as an assistant director for one. She suggests, “Actors with talent will definitely make a mark, but you need to remember to work hard and be flexible about matters, keeping yourself ready to take up new challenges at all times.” Directors: A director brings ideas to life. Whether it’s decisions related to set designs, costumes, auditions, or other creative aspects of television shows, a director must be adept at all these tasks. However, to be a director, one must possess the requisite skills and be passionate about creating something. Janardhan Bhende, who began as an apprentice cameraman, and has steadily risen to the profile of a reality show producer for a dance show, explains, “Though there are a few aspirants who are genuinely talented, and these often find success, there are many others who do not possess that talent and come to reality shows, attracted by their scope for stardom.”
Cameramen: Cameramen or cinematographers are responsible for capturing scenes on camera. They need a certain degree of imagination in order to visualise frames and shooting angles. Sebastian Anthony, assistant cinematographer for movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Aks, and now, an independent Director of Photography, offers, “As a part of the system, and not the system in itself, a cameraman should only advise or lend support to his director. Initially, one would need to assist a professional cameraman on the sets to learn the tricks of the trade.”
K U Mohanan, Director of Photography for films such as Don and Aaja Nachle, believes that without professional training, a cinematographer will not be able to handle equipment. He says, “Earlier, most aspirants pursued training at FTII, but many more institutes have come up as of late. With respect to skills, handling the equipment and camera are foremost. Also, playing with the light and postproduction work, such as digital analysis, Photoshop, etc, play a very important role in making you a better cameraman.” Editors: Editors decide what stays in the final cut, and what gets canned. An editor needs to rely on his own resources - good judgement, creativity and observation skills. Omkar Patki, an editor, who has worked with leading production houses, shares, “Editing is easy, rewarding and creatively satisfying, provided your concepts and skills are in sync with the script.”
Both editing and camera work are very technical fields, and it is best that anyone aspiring to pursue a career in these areas comes armed with a degree in the subject. Most film and TV institutes have cinematography and editing courses available.
The television industry has more opportunities to offer, including scriptwriter, storyboarding artist, pre-production/ line manager (dealing with budgets, scheduling, location, etc), artist co-ordinator, studio director, studio floor manager, soundman, production assistant, lighting man, console operator, online/ offline editor, visual effects artist (for opening sequences, VFX in shows, etc), music director, props manager and many more.
PICK YOUR PLATFORM
Aspirants can opt to work with production houses, TV stations, product design and R&D companies, the Internet, broadcast companies, companies that set up TV studios and stations, and need the technical expertise, or animation studios working for TV shows.
MOOLAH MATTERS
The television industry certainly does not send you home empty handed. The pay/ wages are earned daily, and not monthly. To begin with, if you are an actor/ actress playing a small character role, your pay starts from Rs 1000 and goes up to Rs 3000 per day. As you progress in your career, and your character is shaped into a long-term character, you start earning Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 a day. Cameo roles for better-known actors can fetch about the same amount. However, once the audience starts to recognise you, and begins appreciating your role, your daily income may go up to between Rs 5000 and Rs 1,50,000. That’s not the end of it. Once you establish
yourself and can command your time, you can adjust two to three assignments in a single day, which means you can earn in the range of Rs 4,50,000 in one day.
For directors, the pay structure is entirely different. A director may earn a salary, some minimum guarantee, or may even engage in profit sharing. Sometimes, a well-known director can be paid simply for lending his name.
Although television is one of the most lucrative industries, the instant fame and accolades that follow are remarkable as well. For most people, television brings lasting reognition and a place in the hearts and minds of millions of viewers. INSTITUTE INDICATOR
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (www.ftiindia.com) Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute of India (srfti.gov.in) Asian Academy of Film and Television (www.aaft.com) Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia (www.ajkmcrc.org) Xavier’s Institute of Communications (www.xaviercomm.org) Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (www.simc.edu)

Uday Ravi Koduru
A total cricket freak, I love hanging out with friends and family, and enjoy watching Bollywood movies. I have learnt that going after what you believe in is the key to success.

Aditi Gala
Sometimes crazy, sometimes wise. At times, juvenile, and at times, unbelievably kind. I am a dreamer and a doer. A true Mumbaikar, who lives life by the Hakuna Matata policy. Books, literature and movies are a passion.

Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re

Running past flickering crowds wandering aimlessly outside the stadium, we finally reached Gate 2, in the hands of the security. Ajinkya was as usual getting hyper restless. I Amar and Kunal cared more for our throats than the 2 minutes of the inaugurals. So we filled our hands with 5 cans of soft drinks and rushed up the stands. The Captains it seems had returned from the stage and currently they were preparing for the next performance. Our seats were not what one would envy us for. But then that didn't matter at all... Finally we settled ourselves and began texting/calling the entire world that we were at the IPL! How typical! The performances were lukewarm considering the scale at which the event was taking place. But hell... I got to see ABBA perform , L-I-V-E! Beat that! The others were a shade of what their fame speaks about them. Deepika was hardly visible from where we sat but the crowd seemed to be ignorant of this fact as they cooed at her steps. The other performances came and went by, making me quite impatient for the start of the match. The teams made their presence on the field at around 8 p.m. and began practising. Why couldn't they practice before, unnecessarily wasting time now. The captains walked in with Ravi Shastri and the Match officials for the much awaited toss. Gilli won the toss and the Deccan Chargers chose to field. Before the match began, I was quite unbiased when it came to supporting either teams. Who cared if Kolkata won or Hyderabad? Was playing? Then why take borrowed tension? The toss took place even as the other players were busy practising. I didn't get who won but KKR were certainly batting first. The ground was cleared and the players assembled to take their positions.
suddenly a voice spoke, much like Dumbledore, asking the captains and the referee whether they were ready to start the play. This was a new innovation and took most of us by surprise as we soon found out that it was Rudi Koertzen, the on-field umpire. I guess it was Vaas who came to bowl first. Let me inform you that watching a match live is not very amusing for your eyes. It's very tough to identify anyone. Unless of course you are their wives. Anyways, so Vaas starts the run up. The entire stadium went silent. And a collective aaaahh erupts as it's a first ball DUCK!!! Hahaha!!! KKR 1 down for none! And then Dada walked in, with him the stadium went up dada, dada, dada... 4th ball and Dada also got out! It seemed KKR were going to get bowled out in a few overs.
Ajinkya had other plans as usual and I feel he certainly has the leadership instincts. He went to the next level to look out for better seats. He came back to call us and we nervously vacated our seats.
The view from the second level was more spectacular but the guards didn't allow me and Amar to enter and asked for our tickets. I like an obedient chap gave him and was directed to my original place. Kunal and the others managed to sneak in though. We went downstairs with a dejected face. But we weren't going to accept defeat yet. I suggested that we try going to the upper level from another entrance. Alas! The guard here too was vigilant and asked me for my ticket. Maybe he wasn't wearing specs as he coolly allowed us to enter and make ourselves comfortable. The match wasn't helping to make our situation entertaining. It was simply drudging along.
Although, Amar was very happy KKR was losing, I was more worried about the match getting over soon and we not getting our Paisa vasool! The match progressed and KKR got a useful partnership to post a 161er for Dc to win! Meanwhile we had managed to shift ourselves to where the others were located. The match looked livelier from there. The crowd was better and more engrossed, with people having their loyalties set. In front of us was a group of 6-7 guys. What caught my attention was the fact that one of them was constantly eating. And eating not only what was in his hands but also from everyone else's stuff. I found that very funny. Anyways the break went by and the second half resumed. The match got interesting with a few not so early wickets. The crowd caught the electric atmosphere and was charged enough to generate a few Mexican waves. There were a few feeble attempts by a guy straight down in front of us. He was by far the most enthusiastic. Shouting, egging others to shout, dance, dancing himself, drinking, telling the people from adjacent stands to respond to his Mexican wave calls... Rising with the crowd for the waves was an enchanting experience in itself. Amar wasn't enjoying the proceedings though. He was aghast with DC losing wickets after wickets and KKR tightening the noose. Quite a few celebs had turned up to cheer for KKR such as Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea, Juhi Chawla, et al.
The crowd was also enjoying the visible pleasures of the so-called 'cheer' leaders. They seemed to cheer any side which scored or took wickets. Identity crisis!
The people in front of me has already started fighting for every Six or every Wicket! They were visibly divided into 2 camps - one for the Bongs and the other for the Nizams! Swearwords were simply pouring from both ends. The match was nearing its end and it was getting tenser. Every ball counted and every run mattered. Majority of the crowd seemed to support KKR, courtesy SRK. Finally KKR won, not by bowling the other side but by exhausting the quota of 20 overs.
It was a perfect ending the beginning of season 3 with a last over finish! KKR had finally won their first match.
All I could say was,
The Bongs have it, The Bongs have it, The Bongs have it !!!

Aay Pee Yell?

I seriously feel that if you leave me from the count, majority of the world will seem crazy to you~ And that certainly is no understatement! What started with a casual call at 1 p.m. to say hello, turned out to be the day changer for me blessing me with the craziest cricketing extravaganza of recent times. But Ajinkya had different plans and he didn't ask me to come till 4.30 p.m. For general information, the show was to start at 6 p.m. and was to happen at that godforsaken village called Nerul, which is leagues away from my house. They had just left from Lonavala having picked up Amar and that is when they called me and I made a mad rush to Nerul. Now as destiny would have it I got into a fast train at Dadar. You can certainly imagine the sense of pride and satisfaction that an average Mumbaikar has when he manages to get a train which he wants without having to pause at the station. I was so relieved... I was expectantly waiting for Kurla to come... Matunga, Sion..... Kurla comes, Kurla goes.... What ? It went? But... How? Ajinkya was relentlessly calling me to know my location and I had no idea what was going on. I managed to ask a fellow passenger very feebly as to which station will the train stop at? 'Thane'! 'Thane'! God why did I have to erroneously step into a super fast. Pathetic Central Railways cannot even display it anywhere. so Thane it was to be. I kept on calculating the time it would take me to take a Thane fast to Kurla and then the slow to Nerul. Ajinkya would surely would have buried me there itself. Now even Gaurav had added to the 'where are you' party. But then again, was providence would have it, there was a Panvel train waiting, it seemed only for me, at Thane station. I bought tickets and got myself a seat. I was travelling by this route for the first time and I must say the Indian Railways saved my day. The moment I alighted from the train I began running towards the stadium. Huff Puff... Left right... I met Kunal and Amar outside the stadium and we made a dash for Gate 2... I was entering a live stadium for the first time ever in my life!!! Aay Pee Yell here I come!!!

The Foursome Rick-ride!!!

Carter road Bus Stop, 10.45PM, tired of waiting for the Bus!

Any sane person (ignore people from Mutual) would know that 9/3 = 3! But no! Pratiksha had to do her own Maths and force us into one Rickshaw. No not all nine but 4 of us - Manorath, myself, herself and Pranjali. And mind you - all are from healthy families! So what was the need to commit this sin of cramping four people into the rear seat of a tiny Mumbai Rickshaw? A good observer would conclude that in the given circumstances, with Pratiksha making a decision, you sincerely cannot expect a logical reason! Anyways, I hardly had a choice and so before the others could even realise we had hired an auto and already made ourselves amply comfortable within its dark environs. Guess who sat on whose lap?? Ok no comments! :)
The person's legs pained excruciatingly though, let me inform you all. I got this from my secret agent. And yes even his knees became wobbly after the 'healthy' affair. Regardless, of what their camera could capture, however waste it was, our cameraman started clicking Photos. Manorath then handed over his prized possession to one of the G-Sisters, we shall henceforth call them thus to save space and my typing efforts. Coming back to the Photos, they were yuck! I mean, yes, Y-U-C-K!!! I hereby give a disclaimer that the person whose only visible part are his awesome hair ,shall, under any circumstance, human or otherwise, not be deemed, construed or held to be Satsheel!!!

The rickshaw was filled with chronic laughter. Laughter of all sizes and flavours, varying pitches and differing volume, impregnated the rickshaw. Oh yes, we all were carrying balloons, with Pratiksha holding two. We could barely manage ourselves, so taking care of the balloons was a huge task. There was hardly any space to sit so the balloons were all tucked behind, well almost.

I was afraid that a Policeman would catch us for exceeding the seating capacity and fine us. I was mentally preparing for reasons, with making Pratiksha pay topping the charts!!! I don't know why they wanted to click my pics? They tried vociferously to get a glimpse of my face on the Camera's lens making me momentarily feel like a Celeb. :p
Suddenly, Pranjali screamed 'Chirag!' She seemed to have seen a 'Friend" (ahem ahem!!!) of hers and was excitedly showing us. Hardly did she realise that we would have more sinister ideas than simply looking at random people. Chirag had till then gone ahead and I had not got to see who it was. We asked the Rickshaw-wala to 'Chirag ka Paathlaag Karo' and he actually listened to us. Like a maniac he drove to hit a pothole. Our rickshaw barely managed to avoid tumbling to the left and we thankfully didn't get thrown out of the rickshaw. Pratiksha it seems was going to literally fall out. We stopped at a signal and there was a guy with a girl behind him on a bike on my right. I loudly asked "Kon Chirag?" I didn't know it was him and Pranjali, out of shame didn't even enlighten us. We were later informed that he was peeping inside the rickshaw to see who called out his name. The rickshaw reverberated with cautious laughter. People continued their photographic tirade. We even clicked pics with the Ricksha-wala at Bandra Station. He actually pulled out a scarf to pose for the Photo.

It was one insane Rickshaw ride which I doubt any of us will ever forget. If Chirag ever reads this, know that it was Pranjali, the younger of the G-Sisters, who actually was inside the Rickshaw!!!

The Witch Amidst Us?

Ever wondered who steals chicken pieces from your plates?
Ever thought that paying for someone would prove to be the biggest NON Performing Asset?
Ever felt that small, innocent children like me sometimes cry without reason?
Ever had your eardrums pain due to incessant talks?
Ever known a person who does complete DUMMY (ignore Ayushi and Nisha for time being)?

Well then here goes...
Presenting for the first time in the history of Blogspot, the one and only, representing Podar college as its first ever, never captured live on Camera before, the one who no one knew lived amongst us...
Kreesu , The Witch Amidst Us?

Don't believe what you are reading then click on the video above to experience WITCHDOM!!!

Her Highness, the Holy Holi

colours, rang, farben, couleurs, rango, etc... the different ways in which this vivid word can be translated is still less than the variety of hues that it can produce... for artists who literally live colours, it is an everyday affair, but for the common man who has null relationship with anything to do with paints, cordially appreciates the splashing of colours and coloured water as if it were a pay hike or better grades! and amidst the riot of red, blue and green, we take feeble potshots at achieving artistic traits, by effecting colours of many more shades and aspects... begetting encouragement and a certain companionship in this hatred-filled, love-lacking monochromatic world, of tinted vibrancy! he forgets that he has to be tensed for his daily expenses, for his studies, for proposing to his girl, for reducing the flab, for countless aspects of one's life that are simply washed away, albeit momentarily, washed away with the gaiety that rejuvenates itself once in a year, brought in by these very colours which he has avoided for the remaining 364 days... emanating now in a renewed form, he takes a dab at the dry colours and throws them in the air, revelling in the rainbow he has just created in the sky. he enjoys his handiwork and tries his tired, wrinkled hands at different colours, bouyed by the encouragement he gets from spectators. having had his share of amusement he proceeds now to distribute his day's mirth with others. the shagun ka gulaal is applied on foreheads and cheeks alike, invoking similar gestures from those applied. the ritual, he feels is much better than ruthlessly aiming at innocent, undesirable passers-by. why try filling colours in their lives when they are happier with their blacks and whites? he returns his focus at rejoicing one colourful day. he wonders why should he not indulge in water? maybe he should not, courtesy the BMC or maybe he should not for the millions of draught affected people or maybe he should not as a sincere condolence to the Haitians! analysing in depth before acting is a recurrent phenomenon he practices everyday. and even on a day when his regular beliefs have been coloured, he has not lost track of this habit. he decides to use little water, just enough to wash away the colour, lest it bring happiness and sparkle throughout the year. he carefully transforms himself to his earlier solemn self as he ventures from the lively world of colours to his life full of his own colours!