Day 13 in India

Day 13-January 15, 2014

  As our final day in Mysore began, we met with Dr. Subraya the director of the entire Infosys-Mysore training operation.  We were expecting just a brief meeting for us to show our appreciate for providing us with great lodging and hosptitality, but it quickly turned into a wonderful information sharing session that ran much longer than any of us intended. 

  We were on the Infosys-Mysore campus at a very unique time.  On the day we arrived, the campus was hosting a Global Stategy Planning meeting with representation from 1000+ Infosys leaders from all over the globe.  Dr. Subraya told us about how all the associates of Infosys are one of the true assets of their company.  He spoke of  the importance of sharing knowledge with them in order to help them grow individualy and help continue the growth of the organziation as well.

   One thing I took away from our meeting was the fact that  these meetings are great methods of knowledge management in themselves.  For this meeting there were Board of Directors, Senior Administrators, Department Heads and even 400 "youngsters" representing the common associates who work at Infosys.  At this 3 day meeting, everyone was on an equal level.  2nd year associates could sit and question the CEO or board members over lunch or as they passed on campus.  All levels of the organization were represented at this one gathering with the sole fact of informing everyone else about the goals, paths, concerns and problems that everyone is facing.  This knowledge sharing is a great method to make sure everyone, no matter of their title, is ensuring Infosys is heading in the right direction. Together they used the knowledge they shared to help shape the future of Infosys all around the world for the coming year. 

  Next begins the travel back to Bangalore for a day & then the first leg of our long journey home.  Look for more reflections later.

**all pictures were from the road from Mysore to Bangalore.

   Random Thoughts/Pictures of the Day

  Today is another Holiday in India called Sankranti or Makar Sankranti that marks the beginning of Spring. 

Our professor gave us a traditional food offering for Sankranti & wished us all a Happy Sankranti.  You can read more about it here. Makar Sankranti

I knew the Lion's Club was an International Organization, but I never thought about Lion's clubs in India until I began seeing their signs in the towns we passed through. 

I am always amazed at the number of people stuffed inside of one vehicle or on one motorcycle/scooter

Market we stopped at today

Monuments along side the highway leading to Bangalore.

Day 12 in India

Day 12 In India-January 14, 2013

 

As our class begins to wind down, we had one more visit to a Mysore Business school today.  We visited a school called Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Instittute for Management Development (SDMIMD).  Like many of the schools we visited, SDMIMD offers a MBA program for engineers selected from various prestigous Undergraduate programs from all around India.

   Today we met with the Director of the Institute, Dr. Parasuraman, and some of his senior staff members.  We discussed the institute in general and then shared some of the details of what we do at the University of MD.  After our introductory discussion, we met with Professor.  M.R. Suresh who gave us a very detailed account of the history of Rural Development in India and how information management & knowledge management are beginning to play a  role in the modern era.  One great example of how information and knowledge are shared here in India is with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).     


   In today's world, people need access to information quickly in order to make decisions.  For example, if a Tsunami were to hit the coastal regions of India, then the Central Government can rely on the information those regions are inputting into the NIC to make decisions even though they may be thousands of miles away.  Similarly there are many different areas that researchers can use the NIC to help make positive changes.  Recently, data was showing that milk production was down in a particular region.  Researchers were worried that Foot & Mouth disease was affecting the milk production in those regions.  But after using the data from NIC and doing some field research, they were able to determine that the population in those areas had risen rapidly.  This meant that more of the milk was being consumed in the region, leaving little left to be sold to other areas that normally purchased milk from that region.

  Since much of the population that lives in rural areas of India has mobile phones, there are new markets being opened up that can benefit those people.  Informaiton access has revolutionized how everyone does business, conducts their lives and communicates with each other.  This has created unexpected benefits in sharing knowledge.  For example, there are services where fisherman can receive SMS text alerts to be alerted to positive fishing conditions.  Conversely, they can be told when the conditions are poor so they don't have to travel great distances to go home empty handed.  The same can be said for farmers.  Most farmers have to load up as much of their crop onto a truck and then travel many miles to take it to a wholesaler who will then tell them how much they are getting paid or if there is no demand at all for the crop.  The farmer never wants to take his crop back to the farm because he needs that money for food, etc to take care of his family.  Now with information sharing methods like SMS text messages, a farmer can know how much his crop is in demand and how much money he should expect to be paid.

   After this informative session, we got a tour of the lovely campus set at the foot of Chamundi Hills followed by an information sharing session with some of the MBA students.  And of course we were honored guests so we were treated to lunch with the executive staff. 

   Upon leaving SDMIMD, we made a short journey outside of Mysore to visit a temple.  On the way I finally saw buildings painted with  MYCEM cement advertisements.  There are many cement plants on the way from Bangalore to Mysore.  These companies pay to paint houses and stores with their logos.  MYCEM is manufactured by the Heidelberg Cement Group which also owns Lehigh Cement Plant in Union Bridge.  MYCEM is the product they make at the Heidelberg India Plant.  So I have been on the look out ever since I realized we were in an area with alot of cement plants.






  The temple we saw today was the Keshava Temple.  It was built in the 1200's and is quite well preserved.  The detailed artwork carved in the stone was magnificent.  Words don't do it justice and the pictures probably don't do it justice either. 

 

   After spending a little bit of time examining the temple, we traveled back to Chamundi Hills for a terrific view overlooking the city of Mysore and the surrounding areas.  There was also a temple on top of Chamundi Hills that we photographed from the outside, but decided not to wait for the long line to see inside too.  On the way back down the steep roads, we also stopped to see the 2nd Biggest Bull carved out of stone in the world. 

   All in all, a pretty impressive day.

Random Pics/Items of Interest

2nd biggest Stone Bull Carving in the World

Monkey eating among the visitors at Chamundi Hills

View of Mysore from up on top of Chamundi Hill

Infosys Palace at night

Temple Photo

 

Temple Photo

Another Visitor at Chamundi Hills

Monkey eating among the visitors at Chamundi Hills

Day 11 In India

Day 11-January 13, 2014

  Today's post will be short...simply because I am tired.  A lot of traveling and plenty of visits has worn me down.  Our day started off on the Infosys campus where we met one of the head educators here at the Infosys-Mysore location.  This particular location is the main training center for Infosys.  There are currently about 14,000 associates being trained at this location. 

   We started off with a lesson on the Development Center where everyone is trained.  Then we went on to discuss how the training works and how the trainers update the content to stay current with today's technologies.  The trainees here become residents for a rigorous 6 month training.   Since they live on the campus, there are all the amenities of a resort here.




  Following our meeting and presentation, we had a beautiful walking tour of only a portion of the campus.  But what we did see included sports facilities, a store, salons for men and women, one of the 7 food courts, a pool, an impressive gym and the huge Development Center Building 2, that was as beautiful as Mysore Palace.






   
Lunch was not something I am proud of.  Our afternoon visit was to the University of Mysore.  The only possible place to eat was a McDonald's.  It had been 7+ years since I had eaten at a McDonald's & I really hate them with a passion.  But instead of going 12 hours without a meal, I had no other choice.  The menu is completely different & I decided to try one of their India only Veggie options.  So I ordered a Masala Grill Sandwich.  Let me tell you it was McAwful.  Horrible bread with sauce all over it.  Even the fries didn't taste good.  It was truly a McMiserable meal.  Even though it only cost me about $3...it still wasn't worth it.






  Right up the street was the University of Mysores's International School of Information Management (ISIM), India's only iSchool.  We received a great reception and introduction to the ISIM from  Dr. Shalini Urs.  She told us all about the great program she established at ISIM and all the courses that are offered.  The highlight of our visit was when we sat down for about 1.5 hours with the students of the ISIM and discussed issues that affect both University of Maryland's iSchool and ISIM.  It was a very pleasant and engaging conversation that covered many different topics such as ISIM's international student body, information management and I got to answer  many of the student's questions about public libraries in the US at great length.

  The University of Mysore also has a collection of great museums in the building directly across from the ISIM building.  So the faculty sugested we tour the museum and a couple of the ISIM students joined us.  Cameras are not allowed inside so I did not even try to take mine in.

  After our visit at the University of Mysore wrapped up, we then headed to a place called Brindavan Gardens nearby. The attraction is famous for its array of water fountains & then at 7pm the lights come on to illuminate the fountains.  Since this is a dry time of year, the fountains did not shoot up as a high as normal but we still enjoyed our visit in the relaxing park.  We also took the time to enjoy the view from atop a hotel that overlooks the Garden.

Random Pics for the Day

This cow even uses the crosswalk!

The worlds cheapest car.  That Tata Nano

The Hotel overlooking the gardens

Over looking the fountains/garden

The most beautiful building in Mysore is right here on Infosys campus

Day 10 In India

Day 10-January 12, 2014

Today we made the 4 hour trip to the second leg of our India class.  We arrived in the city of Mysore, India.  Still in the state of Karnataka, Mysore is the 3rd largest city in the state.  After traveling we checked into our host for the next couple of days, Infosys, Mysore.   Infosys in Mysore is the home to a rigorous 6 moths training course for all new hire assocaiates with the company.  Word is the training is very hard.  Each week there are tests & if you don't pass one, you are out!! 



Our accommodations at Infosys are much more modern than those in Bangalore.  Here each of us has a private room, with a private bath, with a scalding hot shower, air conditioning and wait for it......a TV.  Now I can watch something other than free tv shows I downloaded to my iPad.  The campus is just as lush and green as the one in Bangalore.  I am hoping to take a few long walks each day to try and work off some of the great Indian food I have been eating.  But I can't spend too much time exercising because there are also many sites to see in the Mysore district. 

On the way to Mysore, we stopped by the Ranganathaswamy Temple in the town of Srirangapatna. Since today is Sunday, the temple was very active with worshipers lining up to visit.  So we decided not to wait in the long line to enter.  But we did get to walk around the outside & get some great photos.  Most of the group also tried coconut water from a vendor at the temple.  Since I am not a fan of coconut, I only tried a sip and wasn't impressed, but wasn't disgusted either.

After checking into the guesthouses at Infosys, we quickly headed to the famous Mysore Palace. Since Sunday is the only day off for most workers in India, it was very crowded.  Sunday is also a special day because it is the only day of the week that they illuminate the palace at 7pm.  It was an interesting visit.  In case I haven't told you, I stick out like a sore thumb in India.   People stare at me, smile at me, take pictures of me...I am a curious attraction to most.  At the palace the entrance fee for Indian citizens is much cheaper than for foreigners.  Our Professor, Dr Kanti, is Indian so he purchased 6 tickets for the group.  As we entered, one of the gatekeepers noticed this and after a lengthy debate, I was forced to go buy 2 AudioTour headphone devices to make up for the difference in price for my ticket (which was really only about $4).  Next, you can photograph the outside of the palace but photographs inside are strictly prohibited.  So as we were about to go in, I stuck the camera in my pocket and entered.  The guards inside quickly noticed the big bulge in my pocket & wanted me to go take the camera to an outside camera check stand at the other end of the palace grounds.  After the 2nd heated debate in 10 minutes, Dr Kanti, convinced the guards to let him carry the camera in his pocket, ensuring I would not have access to it to sneak any pictures.  But after all that we got to enter the palace, and it was quite a site to see.  You can see some of interior pictures on this website.

 There was also some animal activity at the Palace.  Behind the palace, you can purchase a ticket to ride on either an elephant or a camel.  The line was rather long & of course the price was higher for me, so we decided to pass.  But we did get to get up close to the animals, pose for a few pictures and I learned if you hold some money out for the elephant, he will take it in his trunk. 

 Next we took a brief walk into downtown Mysore for some dinner.  Dr. Kanti recommended the Indra Cafe.  Dinner was a couple of different variations of the dish Chaat, including Behl Puri.  to go along with Rava Dosa & Onion Dosa.     Plus, we had to have the mandatory coffee & picked up a couple of sweets before leaving.  More details on that further down this post.










 After dinner, we took the walk back to see the palace illumination.  The entire palace complex is lit up with white lights for this occassion.  Pictures do it better justice than my words ever can.  Take a look at all my photos from today.

Random Thoughts for today

Jalebi

 One of my favorite new deserts is jamoon.   In India, having sweets helps to off set some of the really spicy foods and seems to ward off any heartburn like issues because of all the spice.  Even though Jamoon is great, I think the best sweet I have had in India is something called Jalebi.  Every time I have had it, I love it!!  That is why I bought a 1/4 KG of it at the Indra Cafe tonight. 









Normally coffee is the only thing I have for breakfast, but here one of my favorites is Upma.  Upma is basically flavored Cream of Wheat.  At  home I don't think I have ever eaten cream of wheat more than twice.  But in India, they have been serving it to us in the mornings flavored with bananas and other fruits and it tastes great.







Dosas are served with every meal in India.   It is the bread like dish that you use your fingers to tear, scoop up your other food with and eat.  Even though they are so common place, they taste different almost every where you order them.  Sometimes they taste different from day to day at the same place.










Since Lehigh Portland Cement is one of the biggest companies in Carroll County.  I found it interesting that their Parent company also owns a cement plant in India.  I have been on the look out for an ad for MYCEM, the product they make in India, but have not seen one yet.  There are plenty of cement plants in this part of India so I will be excited to see my first Mycem ad.







     


For some reason I had never considered the idea of amusement parks in India.  So I was surprised to see billboards for two different ones.  Today we drove past those two amusement parks, Wonder la & Amusement Park and GRS Fantasy Park. 

 

 

Stimulating the Indian Economy by paying more for things :) 

Day 9 In India

Day 9-January 11, 2014


 Today began with a shorter than expected hour long drive to Bangalore University. At BU we got a tour of the Bangalore University Library.  The library is a typical academic library in the sense that it has a large collections of books, an active periodical room and e-resources for the student to use.  We are spoiled by the University of Maryland's libraries.  Compared to UMD's system,  Bangalore University's seemed very outdated.






 We did learn that the student body population is  4,500 students & they are all served by only 3 librarians and their support staff.  In our recent visit to TATA, we found out they have 150 on their staff.  At BU, they are always struggling to stay on top of all the information needs of the students.  Big corporations see the need for more librarians, maybe universities should too.







    The staff was gracious enough to offer us some coffee as we sat & discussed BU in the head Librarian, Dr. Anjanappa's office.  As we were leaving, Dr. Anjanappa offered to join us in our car for a full campus tour and then suggested we go someplace close for a special treat.  After doing an auto tour of the campus, our driver was instructed to drive us to Dodda Alada Mara (THE BIG BANYAN TREE).   This 400 year old banyan tree is a magnificent site to see.  The banyan tree is a fantastic specimen of tree and also the Indian Banyan is the national tree of India.






 Dodda Alada Mara is definitely an amazing site, but the thing that kept stealing our attention was all the monkeys that live there.  From the time we got out of our car, there were monkeys on top of the school buses that brought a group of young students to see the banyan.  We saw big monkeys & baby monkeys...some were playing, some were fighting and some were eating peanuts.  But they all were incredibly entertaining.









  Next the group decided to do lunch at the famous Indian restaurant, Dominos.   We had been craving some American food & decided pizza in India was the way to go. Dominos in India has a slightly different menu, featuring things like Taco Indiana & Lebanese rolls.  But we all settled on trying 3 medium pizzas; a spicy chicken pizza, a peppy paneer pizza and a spicy delight pizza.  All in all, not a bad pizza experience.  We loved the 2nd floor dining room and looking at the Dominos Pizza Delivery Motorcycles. 

 


  On our 2nd day in India, Shobha from the Artis Academy recommended we see a play while we are in Bangalore.  It just so happened there was an English language play at the Ranga Shankara theater.  The Ranga Shankara was built in honor of a popular Karnataka actor & director, Shankar Nag, who died in a car accident in 1990.  The theater was his dream and with his  wife's commitment, the theater became a reality after years of struggle when  Ranga Shankara finally opened its doors to the public in 2004. We had heard the play was based on Shakespeare's MacBeth.  But we had no idea the play was going to be a madcap one man show entitled "The Tragedy of MadBeth."  It was a great performance by Rupesh Tillu and a fun time was had by all.  We are accompanied by Shobha and her two daughters to tonight's performance.  If you remember she is married to a famous Indian actor & director and they are all mentioned in this Wikipedia post on her husband, Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar.


 
Since the play did not start until later in the evening, we had a chance to stop by & visit a Jain Temple before hand.  Jainism is one of the many actively practiced religions in India.  The temple was a beautiful structure made completely out of marble and amazing to behold.  One member of our group is a member of the Jain religion, so we really wanted to make sure this was a stop on our world tour of Bangalore.



 Tomorrow morning we will be leaving Bangalore & traveling to Mysore, India for the second leg of our India Class.  Since tomorrow is a travel day....not sure how much I will be able to post.  Will probably have to catch up on posts later in the week.

Random Pieces of Information for the Day

At our host, I am lucky to have access to a washer & dryer.  But I also took advantage of the services of a Dhobi.  A Dhobi is a person who goes around collecting dirty linens & clothes.  The Dhobi then takes them, washes them, presses them & then returns them to you for a fee.  My professor described the role of a dhobi to us & pointed him out to me when he came around collecting dirty clothes.  Long story short....I gave the dhobi 3 pairs of pants and 2 shirts.  Three nights later, he brought them back cleaned, pressed and ready to go.  I may not want to know where they were washed but I had some of my wardrobe cleaned for 50 rupees.   That is the equivalent of 81 cents in US Dollars.  Maybe I should look for a dhobi in the US too.

For our breakfasts & dinners at XIME, we have been eating in the same cafeteria as many of the students.  Since the students are very young, they have a TV on playing music videos and movie trailers the whole time.  I keep seeing this trailer for the movie HEARTLESS.  For some reason the trailer grabs my attention every time it plays.  Check out the trailer. 










The majority of the people in India are vegetarians.  In order to clarify if a pre-packaged item is "veg" or "non-veg", there is a mandatory marking system. The green dot means the food is vegetarian & the brown dot means it is not.
Even some of my bottled water has a green dot on it. When the food is already prepared the cooks or wait staff will inform you us which dishes are "veg" & which are "non veg." 






Long before the Nazis stole the Swastika from other cultures to use as a symbol of hate, it had its origins in many religions including Jainism.  Here is more information on the symbol. 
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastik