TCS Award 2010

The prestigious TCS Award presented to the topper in the Department of Computer Science was given away at a simple and elegant function in the auditorium. Mr.Paul, Senior Consultant from TCS and an old student of GCE was present at the ceremony. Ms.Poorani, a bright and talented topper aced her nearest competitor Mr. Rajkumar by a mere .04 points. My heart rejoiced at their achievement, but felt a little sad that Rajkumar could not be given the award too. 

The principal outlined some of the skills that the recruits would have to take with them,   such as soft skills and people management. The Principal brought out the wonderful coincidence of three alumni of GCE – the Chief Guest who belonged to the 90’s batch of ECE, Prof.P.M.Kavimani  and Dr. Wahida Banu, both alumni  too, getting together to celebrate the achievement of another GCEian.(  I always wonder how proud Prof.Kavimani must feel when he sees the college that he once walked around,  now growing and expanding under his administration. 

The Chief Guest recalled that he had last been on the stage as an orchestral member twenty years back, crooning English numbers and strumming his guitar. He asked the students to remember that life was different once they entered the competitive corporate world. He asked them to first  identify a goal and work towards that with ‘controlled aggression’. Next, he reminded them that pursuing a field of special interest or developing expertise in one software was acceptable, but  they would have to start exploring several fields simultaneously if they wanted to make a mark in their careers. He illustrated this with his growth being diverse and how he handled sales, consultation, project presentation etc to move ahead in his career. He advised them to become focussed and to be ready to accept responsibilities. He congratulated the recipient of the award and her parents and teachers. It was indeed a moment of pride for all. 

I had also been invited to talk and  spoke on some of the special qualities that I have observed in GCEians. I was glad that I could admit in public all that I had lovingly held close to my heart all these ten years in appreciation of the boys and girls of GCE.

Farewells are being given in departments and while their walls resonate with the shouts and loud farewells, I’m sure there is also a lot of forgiving, accepting, appreciation, fond memories of moments spent in fun, anger, fever, hunger, parties, sweat and tears. Life certainly does not change.