The Kolkata Konnection...

"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" - Steve Jobs.        

Recap: This story is about a Baniya's son who wanted to realize his Grandfather's vision - to join and be successful in the corporate world. He returns from Kalyani Engineering College and joins the Jadavpur University Electrical Engineering department. (Read?All Editions)

The department was buzzing with the new first year students. Many of them were merit list holders in Class XII board exams.?

I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. Was it right to leave Kalyani Engineering College? I was the first year topper there. Here again, I start as a nobody.

When a fish moves from a pond to a river, the feelings sway between opportunities and chances of getting eaten up.

I had a more pressing issue which got solved due to this change. Not many knew about it then. As a family, we were struggling financially. My dad's business was going through a downturn. Although I survived one year at Kalyani, I wasn't sure about the rest of the three years.

At Jadavpur University, the monthly fee was Rs. 18. I stayed at home, got a tiffin packed from home, and traveled in three public buses to reach the college by spending Rs. 30 on both sides. I was confident. I will complete four years of education without a financial struggle.

My financial situation was like Raju Rastogi, yet my confidence now was like Ranchoddas Chanchad! (Ref: 3 Idiots).?

I was happy. It was the first time it felt that my dreams were within my reach. I was not dependent on anyone for funding my education anymore.?

While many were very focused from the first semester on becoming a topper, excellence was not on my agenda. I wanted to survive and complete my education. I just wanted to become a great engineer (with or without a medal). I was just hungry - to realize the dream of my grandfather.?

When you work on your goal with a focused mind, the entire universe comes together to help you realize it.?

The new journey has begun! Many new obstacles were waiting to turn up. Will this happy feeling be short-lived? Will the newfound confidence die down? Read the next edition to know more.

"Hunger is the mother of all innovation. Hunger can make you move mountains. Hunger can set you on the path of excellence. Hunger can drive you to do things beyond your reach. Being foolish makes you curious. A hungry and foolish person can do wonderful things."