It’s a long time since I wrote on this platform. The only reason for this inordinate delay was my pending appointment order. As now not only my appointment order is here but also I’m safely posted at Institute of Science, Nagpur, I can again dabble on the blogosphere. And the best thing to write now is the story of my appointment.
All this started way back (yeah it seems such a long time!) in May 2010. It was one year since my masters and I was roaming around the country giving examinations and interviews so that some institute finds me well enough to be a research student when Taresh told me about an advertisement for the post of Assistant Professor in Maharashtra’s government science colleges. I was least interested in the job as I had least confidence in clearing the MPSC interview as I was of the view that only connection played a part in government postings. I had no connections and hence was convinced it was useless to apply. But Taresh and my brother Santu persuaded me into it and I filled the form. They helped in completing the other formalities and the application was done!
I didn’t get into any research institute. Instead I turned up as Lecturer in Physics at MIET, Shahapur, Bhandara. I was soon engrossed in the daily routine of the college and forgot about my application. So, it was a surprise when Taresh called on 19th April, 2011 to tell me that I can expect a letter from MPSC as he had got his. Mine came on 20th. I was required to be in Mumbai on 26th for the interview. I was in two minds but my parents and the helpful lady at the MPSC helpdesk said that what the loss was if I gave the interview. Well they were correct and I went o Mumbai on 24th. I lodged at my friend Adosh and Sameer’s room at Thane. I was so convinced of my failure that I spent the evening before, i.e. 25th, chatting with Adosh, Sameer and meeting Chetana and Kaustubh.
I was totally nervous but was certain about one thing. Even if I fail, I had a job in hand and hence it was not going to be the end of the world. Well I had a terrible interview. The interviewers just ripped me apart. I was in a dazed condition after the interview. I walked out of the building and straight way went to an internet café. Apart from the terrible interview I gave, I had to look for what my 4.8/6.0 GPA meant on the percentage scale. I searched the University of Pune but didn’t get any help. I was frustrated to the hilt and hence had my lunch and went to Gateway. I clicked few pictures and then the battery fizzled out (I’d forgotten to charge them!). I walked like a madman to Marine Drive. At 3 o’clock in that blazing sun only couples were there comforting each other. I had just my backpack for company. I sat there wondering about the day’s proceedings and when I was sufficiently hot outside as I was inside; I decided to walk back to CST. I could only walk to Fashion Street when I felt that it would be better if boarded a Double Decker. And I was in CST soon. Had a nice brunch at McD and came back to Nagpur on the next morning and went straight to JMPC, Bhandara where we were conducting a SEEE camp. All was forgotten about the interview. But destiny had other plans.
I was inclined in not sending the document supporting what my GPA meant. But then I decided o give it a try. Chiti, Avdhoot and The Internet helped me in securing the prescribed document and it actually reached MPSC on the very last date.
In the month of May, I stayed at Chikhla with my parents and came to Nagpur only on 11th June for my IAS prelims. Just for the sake of quelling the query in my mind, I logged to the MPSC website and see if any result had come. And lo it was there and yours truly were first in the merit list of the five selected! I just couldn’t believe. It took some time to sink in. I danced with Santu. I needed to tell this and immediately told my parents and then went to have Ice-Cream with Santu and Prasad. I informed a lot others and in the excitement forgot to tell Taresh without whom this wouldn’t have been a reality. I had to wait for another one month to get the letter from MPSC and the Attestation form. Now, I was officially selected. I duly sent the Attestation form on 9th July and planned to go to Mumbai as well. But the 13th July Mumbai blasts stopped me from going and then I thought that it was not wise to go to Mumbai just for the Medical board letter.
I waited and waited and at last a letter came. But while three among the five selected were given postings I was to go to Mumbai for the same Medical board letter which I had thought will come home. Well I went to Mumbai on 12th November and this time stayed with Avdhoot. On 14th I went to Mantralaya and got my letter. The people there were really helpful. On 21st November I did my medical at GMC, Nagpur who made it a 2-day affair. The police verification on 16th December went smoothly and I was sure to get my appointment letter in a month or so. I was happy as by that time I would have been able to finish the syllabus at MIET smoothly.
But suddenly on the night of 28th December, I received a call from my friend Dalesh that I’ve been appointed at Institute of Science, Nagpur. He told me that his uncle had seen on the internet and asked him to inform me. I immediately rushed to Prasad’s room. It took quite a time to search the file and the downloading was painfully slow. To add to my woes the 8.2 MB file’s downloading stopped at 7.3 MB! We downloaded again and this time it was successfully done. And finally I’d my long waited and cherished appointment letter in my hand!
Dr. Harde told me after my selection that even though my interview went bad, the others were even worse. I will remember this for life and never stop in taking a chance whenever it will beckon!
And now I must return to my work desk at my new college.
XOXO, Subhasish Chandra.
