In my previous post titled “M.Tech: What to do & What Not to do!” I talked about my M.Tech days. Those days were the best days at Tezpur University. We were the first boarders of Kanchenjunga Men’s Hostel (KMH). We had excellent bonding among the boarders. In those two years, I had prepared for competitive exams a lot. I used to appear for any kind of SSC exams, UPSC, Bank exams and engineering PSUs. These exams were held in Government schools and colleges. I had visited almost all the government schools and colleges in Tezpur, Jorhat and Guwahati to appear in exams. These were experiences.
In those days, bank jobs were booming. There was a buzz that the banking sector would expand horizontally for the next ten years. I too prepared wholeheartedly with all CSR and banking books. In the afternoons or weekends, I often tried to solve the problems given in CSR and Protiyogita Kiran. I was among the few regular buyers of these magazines from the bookstall in Tezpur University market. In those days, the students at Tezpur University did not prepare much. At least, I did not see, or I could not see. The exams were held on weekends, and I travelled most of the times to Guwahati either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Generally, I avoided staying Guwahati mostly and returned the same day evening. I caught the last bus to the university to get back to the hostel. The next morning was as usual. Very few people knew my weekend outings.
In the third semester, my mother got ill and had undergone some surgery back at home. I was called back home. I stayed there for a few days. Then, I remembered that I had applied for SI in BSF. The exam was nearing. I appeared in the exams without much preparation. But, I did exceptionally well in the review. I did enjoy writing the papers that day. I was solving the questions very easily. Well, all went well. My mother was recuperating alight. It was time to go back after 20 days or so. After, a few months later, my father called me that some government call letter had come citing urgent. I forgot everything about the exam. Then, I went home and read the call letter to find out that I cleared that exam. The physical exam was to be held at Ambari, Ghy. It was mentioned the fitness requirement in the letter. I had to pass a running test of 1.5 Km in 5 or 6 mins. In those days, I was fat and physically unfit and running such distance in that time frame was impossible for me. At first, I tried, but it was pretty useless considering the time. I let it go. But, I used to tell everyone that I saw BSF’s website with lots of martyrs and did not feel like going at all. For quite some time, people used to call me SI. Well, that was the end of the armed forces dream.
The year was 2011. After completion of the final M.Tech seminar, we stayed there for quite some days. Results were declared. Marksheets and certificates were issued. My guide told me to keep up a few more months at the university. He referred my name to a few companies. But, I was reluctant. I wanted to take the first bus out of the Tezpur and try my luck in Guwahati. I stayed home for two weeks and was off to Guwahati for jobs. July month is very crucial. The new jobs were created, keeping in mind of new graduates. I sent my CVs to many engineering institutes. One beautiful morning, I was called by RIST, Meghalaya to appear for the interview. The college is at a hilltop near Jorabat. Communication was difficult. I went there and gave my interview. It was nothing like an interview just friendly banter. The director was an alumnus of JEC. He had a soft corner for the college. The job was on. I worked there for a few weeks. The work environment was pleasant. People were kind and helping. But, I got a call from GIMT, Guwahati. The dean called me immediately. I visited Mr P.C Baruah in office. He directly asked me to leave RIST and join GIMT immediately as classes were on. I wondered for sometimes and left for home. Those times were different; the colleges were coming up like never before. People liked M.Techs as there was a shortage of people. Anyhow, I made my mind to join the institute by the next week. That was the new innings. RIST did not like my decisions and sent letter after letter. But, I was nowhere to be found. GIMT had a rigorous schedule. Weekends were closed. In the meantime, I kept on preparing for exams.
I happened to apply for the post of Assistant Professor in April or May the same year at Dibrugarh University. They called me to appear for the job in August or September. I took two or three-day leave and went home. My father took me to the Dibrugarh University since I am getting back to Guwahati same day. I took my brother with me also. I appeared in the interview. The interview went well. A few questions were asked, and I answered to the point. The questions were simple as I had already prepared for various jobs. But, I guessed that they were more than happy that I was working in GIMT. They asked about my pay and job details in GIMT. After finishing the interview, we went towards AMC, in search of an eatery.
Meanwhile, I remember sitting for BHEL exam on Biswakarma Puja the same year. I had friends who offered me a ride to the venue at Guwahati Commerce College. But, I met an accident that day. The bike skidded on the road and we fell on the road. I had some injury on my left elbow. Its blood was coming out. But, time was less. Reaching the venue, I got my injury attended nearby Guwahati Commerce College. I appeared the exam, and the pain distracted me even though I was solving the problems quickly. The elbow took time to get well. It was horrible. The Durga Puja was nearing. I got a call from home mentioning a calling letter to appear for BHEL in Delhi. In the same time, my friend in Tezpur GIMT called me that I had cleared the interview at the Dibrugarh University and collected the order letter from DU office by hand. I enquired my parents about any kind of such a message. They said no. In the holidays of Puja week in 2011, there was one official day. I travelled to Dibrugarh along with my father. We reached the office and checked for notices regarding recruitment. We could not find it. I wondered whether my friend mistook the result. Then my father went to the establishment office of DU and enquired about it. The head clerk confirmed the finding. It was tense the few minutes whether I was in or out. Then, he pulled out the order copy in my name and approved it. He congratulated me, and we took a photocopy of it. I remember going home as early as possible. I had to finish the course in GIMT before leaving it. I should have joined that day itself, but my conscience did not allow me. I am always thankful to GIMT for nurturing professionalism in me.
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