In Amsterdam..

15-Dec-2009: I am finally where i should be as far as the job is concerned. I am supposed to look for clients in NL, Nordics and parts of Swiss, sometimes i wonder how and other times i look forward to it.
However, for now i want to write abt the daily happenings in my life. Maybe, ill also capture thots later, but as of now...its more of a day in my life.

Dec 15: Arrived in Paris early mrng CET. The immigration was surprisingly very very smooth and hassle free. No stickers. A lady asked for permission to check my bag (i was amongst the very few picked) and just opened the bag, glanced at the top and closed it back). Had a 5 hr wait at CDG, bought a 1 hr internet card (what else can i do!! sometimes m bored of things i do). The speed sucked, the broadband at home was so much better. Anyways, took another flight for AMS arnd 1 and was here in an hr. Did all what the "Bok" said at the airport...the photocopies of the passport, photos for the IND appoinmtment the next day and finally took a cab to Htel - the Business Suites for the expats! Got the top (13th floor :P) floor suite. Big and nice and comes with a kitchen (do i need it?). Happy with the suite. Took a stroll in the evening and picked up some stuff from the supermarket including my dinner for the day - chicken sandwich.
Came back and asked the receiption for the ways to reach Amsterdam centraal the next morning from where i have to take the train to Rijswick for the IND appointment.
Oh, btw, the room also has braodband internet :D, but wired :(. So, caught up on all the mail including the official ones.

Going to Delhi...Harsha's shaadi..

well...actually no reason for this post.... m jus tryin to make my blog active...so that i can keep continuing writing to myself...

gng to delhi tonight...by train...rajdhani...33 hrs journey... y not the flight? multiple reasons...thr new airport is far... i don like paying extra taxes for flying out of blore..the tkt prices doesnt matter, but an extra tax!!! n m so vella...that i rather spend time in the train doin the same things i do at home...watch sitcoms, movies n play poker..(but cant play on facebook in the train)...

btw...the reason is Harsha's marriage... Sanjiv's party on 25th...Harsha's sangeet on 26th n finally the shaadi on 27th...

all 7 of us would be thr... may be for the last time or a long long time to come... i like my gang....the 318ers...the super 7... Adi(tya), Aditi, Sukriti, Sanky, Varun, Harsha n me :)

Feel Good...What people have said abt me :)

Kaushal (www.kaushal.info) is a genius...i cant appreciate the man enuf...he has the most wonderful ideas and what makes me admire him is the fact that his feet r firmly on the ground and he neva tries to "show off". So, this is another of his ideas that ive picked up...n i cant do it without giving him his credit.... publish the testimonials on the blog... the only difference is...the idea was to make the "writers" feel good by publishing...here...that is not the intention as this blog is for me alone...however, i may not be able to look for the xls i have...so i wanna retain this for feelin good later...

so here goes... (in order of receipt)

came here for: PR

Ended up: being the most Popular across 3 batches

The guy is highly talented, dunno how he manages to do everything. No matter how much you might bitch about him for some of his habits but you would have to respect him for his qualities, coz it's simple - he is that damn talented. The biggest problem with him is that he is always trying to help, guess at times it's important to understand whether they really deserve/desire it or not. Personally, I have learned a lot from PAPA, and wish for the best for him.

-- Ashutosh Taparia, finax mate in 2nd yr..

Came here for: Becoming the Fin God

Ended Up: Giving Gyaan and becoming the Fin God

Papa (Oops! I forgot juniors aren’t allowed to call him that)…Scratch That…Our beloved Mr. Bagrodia has been one of the few kind seniors who have showered gyaan (the actual helpful one) on his lost juniors. As the Fin God prepares to leave his beloved XL Kingdom, I can’t help but wonder who would/can fill the shoes of the multitasking, multifaceted papa of all batches. Obvious as it is, none shall be as great as the God himself. All Hail the Fin God…hope you have a wonderful life ahead.

-- Richa Malik, Junior, happy go lucky, always party, delhi girl

You're the one stop enquiry for - profs, acads, parties, campus politics, gossip in general and all the other miscellaneous college happenings. It's so much fun to pull ur leg bcoz its so easy!! But it cant be denied that all this makes u nicer,more adorable n a source of great conversations! :) Hope u get all that u want :D

-- Riti Garg, 1st crush in XL (got over in a week),

din talk all of 1st yr, lovely girl

Everyone will tell you about dearest PAPA's track records and yes the hardworking deserve a track record.But, on an earnest note, he is dedicated and takes his work seriously . A person who treasures his friends and more than ready to help. All the best and keep in touch !!

-- Nisrita, Junior, Placement committee,

just an acquaintance

Song dedicated: Vitamin C - Graduation (Friends Forever)

Saurabh,one of the few genuine people I have met in XL.Always ready with the words of wisdom,a person with high internal strength & great courage.He encapsulates all that is to be desired:High goals and self esteem,good communication skills & enjoys life to the fullest.Very balanced and rarely expresses his emotions.He has a gift of gab and wins the other person’s heart in a moment’s time.With him around, u have a great friend to take care of ur worries.Wishing him success and happiness in life.

-- Mona, junior, great friend,

closest junior, but in some ways a mystery

My first friend @ XLRI [doesn’t that abbreviate as Fr@xer too :)] even before I came to campus. He’s very brainy,caring,sweet,cute & buggable too. He goes through phases of being a Sethji & a smart, lean hunk [there are motivations] but his resemblance to a certain animal cartoon is phenomenal. Known popularly as THE troubleshooter and mostly as PAPA. But I disagree as he is the biggest [literally] kid around on campus: throws tantrums,CRIBS endlessssly & takes long baths! But he’s just awesome!

-- Sukriti Murarka, part of the gang..the DON :)

thinks i look like Kermit - the FROG!!

sooper intelligent.. loads of energy.. workaholic, a doer in life.. am always shocked at the amount of work he can take up and complete.. works his way out of the toughest situations.. u will go a long way.. atb saurabh..

-- Srikanth Thunga, fellow summer intern,

different from the crowd

No one and I mean no one can match his ‘networking’ skills ! One of the characters that would define our batch…. Fin stud, XLer to the core, absolutely focused and manager beyond compare… You were one of the first guys I met and I do hope that I continue to bump into u from time to time… Have a great life buddy!

-- Siddharth Parida

Came here for: Establishing a legacy

Ended Up: Establishing it

The Big Old Daddy, walked into college, made it his playground, ruled the roost and was the first word on everyone’s lips. The most popular, respected, spoken name in college – by far !! Intensely opinionated, a fountain of knowledge, the money lending machine and the pivot of all college activities. Outstandingly Intelligent, brutally objective, and if in his elements, the awesome company to have around.. The finest heart and truest mind, Pops, you really are my icon. Thanks for everything :)

-- Varun (Mehta), part of the gang, the guzzler,

the CEO material

Feel Good Continues.... :)

The big daddy of the batch, Saurabh is one guy who genuinely acquires knowledge because it appeals to him. You go to him with a problem he will have a solution, or he will find it for you. Genuinely helpful, he is actively involved in anything that is happening on campus. Known to always be surrounded by PYTs, Baggy is definitely a chick magnet. And of course, his intelligence network parallels that of the CIA. Hard working, intelligent, responsible, loyal.. this man is a great friend to have!

-- Ritu Sahu, the Jharkhand girl, loud and wannabe,

but determined and achiever

The gyan machine…The grand (old?) man so full of wisdom but oh so naïve…Popular beyond belief, topping fin subjects (w.o ghissing!!) always eating out (till the health bug bit him that is!), a love hate relationship with TMH emergency ward, FINAX, influencing the fin placements, this guy has been BUSY! But u still took time out to be my rock, my agony aunt, my fin tutorial, my ATM and I’ll never forget that…The guy who can do anything he sets his mind to…full respect for u dude…go conquer!

-- Harsha Khubchandani, part of the gang, the most gorgeous,

the most controversial :)

The most popular Secy on campus whose first love was, is, and will be FINAX [:P]. A regular feature at FINAX, GRAX but never Frax! A topper without ghissing…who believes in ‘smart work’, must say the most efficient guy I’ve known who manages work, study, grax and masti all in a day!! Right from the supposed ‘stress interviews’[:P] to the long meetings to the gyaan seesions to the grax sessions…its been awesome fun knowing you. Thanks for being around….Wishing you the best in life…You Rock ?

-- Swapna Kumshi, finax junior

last hrd - 7 pointer n in top 10

My ever suffering baddy partner,always fighting to make sure we win,prolly would have a better shot at it if he played alone:).Always a good sport,fin phodu, networker unparalleled! papa you rock!

-- Divya Raghavan, the mktng stud, the talk machine,

very effective

XL wud not hav been XL widout u papa… be it bday parties, cultural dinners, or any formal or informal events at campus, u hav been thr at the fore front n hav always hogged the lime light.. a very helpful person, and a genuine soul. May all ur wishes b fulfilled.. Keep in touch!?

-- Harsha Sodhani, the ambitious marwari girl,

grew up really fast at XL

I still remember the day we all saw the first movie together, When Harry Met Sally wasn’t it? And since then, we somehow missed watching the second movie, in spite of all the plans we tried to make. Hmm, koi nahi, I think we can still manage that some time :). Papa of the batch, always concerned about everyone. Of course, the FINAX story will become legendary ;). But been great knowing you, have a great life

-- Pooja Chandra, the very elegant ever smilin LSR girl

Papa... like every coin hes got his two sides. Most are aware of his infamous side :P, but my interaction with Saurabh in FINAX has helped me know him better. Hes a hard-working guy (the good grades he has, is no fluke), running around making sure that the "show goes on". He values timeliness dearly and was often the early guy at the FINAX meetings. Hes got this amazing knack of socializing, which helps him be at ease in any situation. Hes sure to go places in future... All the best!

-- Abdul Kadir, finax mate in 2nd yr

One of the best persons to have around. Takes on multiple roles according to the situation: friend, father, fin stud, IT consult, Baddi partner, F1 fan, life advisor, Grax reporter and most importantly banker (Jai Ho to excel sheet)!! Has very high demands of efficiencies and a brilliant mind, gets the best grades with the least effort. Become very dependent on him as he’s one person who’s ready to drop everything n come if you need help. Will really miss u, even more once u fly out of India.

-- Aditi Rao, part of the gang, the angel

Baggy…undisputedly most popular man of our batch. This man is the best friend you can ever have. Arbit discussion, original 318er, sentimental fool, Finax buddy, going out, group’s banker… my life at XL is incomplete without him. Neend is a waste to sleeping 10 hours, saurabh has changed from good to better. Ardent lover of Black Label, he believes in living life king size (don’t forget his almirah). Papa across batches, he is the only person who loves his laptop more than I do. Love ya man!!!

-- Sankalp Baid, part of the gang, the roomie, CA

very effective

Now really tell me he is not human, somebody. How else can you explain such a phenomenon? He cribs , he sets things right, he comes up with ideas which none else can think up, he is always there for whatever anybody needs, he picks me up and tosses me around, he smiles like a child, he orders around like a king. Incredibly sweet, irritably preachy, totally shady,awesome fun, Babuji, you are my definition of superman. Going by your popularity, that may not be my definition alone. Love you!!

-- Srivatsa Sreedhara, the skeleton,

ppl say m the most networked, i think he IS! n more effective at that

Feel good...part 3

The big daddy of FINAX, always renowned for his batting skills and fin-gyan, Saurabh has been one of the most approachable persons in the campus always ready to help. Always surrounded by controversies and grax, Saurabh tried taking case of people but ended up giving his own ? His passion for FINAX forced us to improve ourselves in whatever we could do! I will always appreciate the support you showed to me during my SIP – that is one memory to last a life-time! Wish you the very best in life!

-- Snehil Gupta, finax junior,

wish she was more positive and din not think everything is a conspiracy

Fun loving, sporty, good listner, decision maker and full of energy is just a subset of qualities papa darling has. A very lovable character by both sexes. He has the amazing capability of putting up a smiling face even in times of extreme distress. Tries to keep himself fit and involved. Is very very passionate about finance, giving gyan and going out on treats with min 3 gals (guys uninvited). Is very hardworking and unconventional. In short he has the AXE effect and the Wharton attitude!!

-- Vivek Jain, finax buddy for 2 yrs, the fun guy :)

came here for: doing an MBA

Ended Up: Becoming a Dadddy, Fin stud and the most popular guy on campus!

Meet Saurabh Bagrodia.The daddy of the batch, the Fin Stud, the guy with the coolest job on campus, and the most popular guy on campus. Daddy is always seen jumping around, here and there, always enthu to talk to junta around and help them. He is extremely knowledgeable and very passionate about whatever responsibility he takes up. All in all a great friend and a great person! You rock Dadddy!!!!

-- Ashima Suri, finax mate in 1st yr,

the 10,000 watt smile, lives life to the fullest

The ‘friends’ didn’t have something which we did,a godfather to watch over the six,the ether that bound us all-you were so much more than a great friend. Papa’s popularity amongst seniors & juniors far outweighed that of the rest -from the address book to year book, you’ve been everywhere and done an awesome job at all earning the well deserved admiration from all of us. Matured, determined, successful, caring, obsessively fin, here’s wishing all the best to a remarkable Papa.Will miss u loads

-- Aditya Kankaria, part of the gang,

immensely popular, extremely ambitious

He is a very nice person. He is extremely good in finance.. He is a very cool guy. He will take all the funny statement made at his expenses very lightly and i think only very few can do that [:)]. His skill set will help him to reach greater heights in the near future..I wish you have great time in the coming years.

-- Nithyanandam, fin stud

Had heard a lot abt him..n specially more so wen we came to campus..bt things r not often hw they look like..very helpful and a genuine person...he actually put in lot of efforts be it from finax or for our SIP..though lo of it when unrecognized...i would really like to thanku for helping us through :) didnt interact too mch with him bt watver it was always felt he is a gud person at heart...all the best for life ahead :) keep rocking :P :D

-- Pankhuri Gupta, junior,

very beautiful, extremely adorable, kiddo

The wise old man of Xl, Papa has the air of a man who's been there and done it all :) One of the most professional guys i've seen he's a stud at whatever he does be it running Finax or cracking quizzes

-- Akhil Jose Mathew, OMAXI chief, controls

Pappa, Baggy, chutiya I’ve called him all that and more depending on the varying amounts of respect he instigates on different occasions.. :D Pappa, you’ve come a long way from “the Orkut days” through FINAX and today.. One of the most well-connected and respected people on campus, it was an honour knowing someone as giving and hard-working as you! :):) Take care, for old age approaches fast… :D Love,

-- Dipika Mukim, very smart,

gives a damn to the world

Well...what do I say about our Secy!! Never late to lend a helping hand...never tired to hear a graxx...never late to complete any work...no stone unturned to make FINAX work....never busy for a treat....he takes pride in the fact that he knows everything that happens on campus. All the best....cheers!

-- Pratima G, finax junior,

started off ambitious..then XL ways took the toll

The most visible person on campus...wonder where he gets all the energy from. Apart from FINAX and acads this dude is part of neary every cultural event on campus. A fin stud, this chap is hardworking, focussed and dependable. Wishing you the very best in all that you do... keep in touch !

-- Abisheg Elijah, the saint, SIGMA secy, Rank No 2

The feel good...final part :)

Baggu/ pappa/ granpa/ baujee..he is the classic vintage wine of the junior batch. I remember one of our first conversations had ended up in a fight and some boiling lemon tea on his face and my beanie cap being ruined by him. Post that we've been great great friends. He's been he famous delivery guy/ it helpdesk, substitute in psychometric tests and an amazing friend. One person who can always trust and who can always make me laugh i will never forget and will alwayyys stay in touch with. You rock pappa!

-- Isheeta Bali, senior, craziest girl i've eva meet,

only major crush in the senior batch

Papa… the only guy in the history of XL to be known by that name amongst his batch mates, seniors & juniors alike..even though he wasn’t the only guy ever who fit the criteria to be called so! But the name never had any influence on the man for he was far from being a father figure esp. to the women around :P He had his own share of ‘kicks from the chicks’ (me), which he called massages for some reason! A wonderful person, he’ll never hesitate in lending you a helping hand.. a guy, full of life, who makes an awesome company to be with! Hope u do very well in life Papa & never let the exuberance in u die..Love, Sana

-- Sana Ahmed, senior,

very adorable, ever smiling, kiddo again :)

My first friend in XL....love him or hate him you can't miss Saurabh. Had the fortune of coining the name 'Papa' even before we got to campus! Super achiever and very ambitious, this dude's been an asset to the batch. Not many are aware that Papa's also intensely emotional as a person. Unputdownable, this dude is destined to go places! Keep scaling new heights wherever you go, dude!

-- Akshay Rajgopal, the tall guy, travelled in the same train to XL,

coined the name "Papa" with darshan..neva knew the name wud stick n how!

Pops is the grand daddy of all...the king of finance on campus...he is known for his eclectic taste in err..selection of junior team ....but hey he makes it work real good.....the man makes everything look very very easy including...falling sick from time to time ;) always ready to help anybody..he is the closest one can get to a corporate honcho.....Go pops :D

-- Utkarsh Iyer, Placecomm

Initiator, resourceful, fin stud, hard working, passionate about what he believes in, straight-talker, smart networker, caring friend…Saurabh is one guy who shows the most enthusiasm and initiative for anything he takes up. A hard task-master as I discovered during the FINAX project…he is my one stop computers guy and trouble shooter. I have irritated him quite a lot but then, he is a great sport :D All the very best, and I know u r one person who will stay in touch for sure :)

-- Harini, Rank 1, grax queen, super smart

Mere adjectives won’t suffice when it comes to describing him. Intelligent, confident, composed & has amazing pick up. He has god gifted capacity to always see things in correct perspective & is rarely hurried. He’s a master at utilizing his time, and can handle a million things at one time. His invaluable suggestions have helped innumerable people at XL. Saurabh has been always there for me whenever I found the going tough. I am sure he’s going to be really successful in whatever he does.

-- Varun Ahuja, the ever hardworking notes taking guy,

can memorise a book and repeat word by word

Jokes apart, if there was one person I admired for a genuine concern for the general batch - it was Saurabh Bagrodia. Right from being part of the Orkut community to floating forms to fill up contacts to being the the single point of all fin queries (though seldom directly), I really admired him though never put it in as many words... I'll remember those fin documents - those videos.. what I'll remember most will always be the most prompt response you can ever expect - be it for a FX991 (remember) or some fin gyaan...

-- Puneet Aggarwal, junior, neva interacted much

This serial killer of all the batsmen of XLRI is a very friendly and amicable guy I have known...never shows the arrogance what he deserves to show of being a successful person and the charm between the group of ladies... I wish you all the very best Saurabh saab for future...

-- Meetesh Jha, PMIR, baddy mate...nice guy

One of the most helpful guys in the batch…my Services mate…you never have to look up a responsibility that he has taken…be rest assured it will be completed glitch-free before time! Have enjoyed every single interaction with him, even if it was for a moment outside the mess…has a contagious smile and relaxed demeanor …loves to give gyaan from his century-old experience ;), a treat to be with in times good and otherwise…wish u ATB buddy!

-- Tushar Kataria, Gujju guy,

services mate, always smiling

All said and done...you have been one person who never sent me back empty handed - may it be most abstract fin gyaan jus before a jpmc interview, some random project work which i need, any advice, help....everything that matters :) There were dark days... but i just want you to know that i've always looked upto you as someone which no words can ever describe. XL will miss you a lot...Best of Luck!

-- Himanshu Gupta, hardworking junior

U’re one of my favourite people here! U never fail to impress me with ur innovative ideas & my respect for u has only increased over the past 2 years! I’ll always cherish all the amazing conversations, graxing, dinner dates:) where not even once u’ve failed to make me feel good about myself!:) Please always stay ur amazing self –u’re a great friend :)! I’m so glad u’re in the yearbook team, really don’t know what I’d done without u! Keep in touch & all the best –u’re made for big things in life!

-- Sugandha Agnani, the typical Delhi girl ;),

amongst the sexiest girls on campus

n then there was Karishma Irani, senior, Isheeta's friend...who sent the other fields except the testimonials... :) n Anupriya Vohra...another senior...who kept sayin she wants to write one...but neva got time :(

but, it has been amazin 2 yrs in XL, thousands of emotions...in all hues n colors... was a very different experience than i had expected...

will miss u XL...

the typos will remain....

i can type fast....faster than average....widout lookin at the keyboard....but off late the typos have become irritating....they are far too many...

the ppl i chat wid can make out what was intended than what was typed....but when i read my own stuff...i don like it.... the same thing happened wid the first entry to my blog...had to edit it thrice when i saw typos...n i know there mus still b some as i havent read the entry fully....

i have often been told that i have good attention to detail...sometimes to the point of irritation of the other person...i think its the contrary...i shud be more attentive to smaller details...

for now... jus be more conscious of the typos...n correct it when u see 1 instead of leavin it like that....