My IIT Madras Data Science Journey

There are times when enhancing life is more important than the life itself!

I have completed half century of my age recently. I joined Indian Air Force as an Airman in Technical Stream (Radar Fitter) in 1997.

With the IAF I worked on cutting age technology in Avionics System of Antonov 32 Transport Aircraft for 2 decades and opted to come out from IAF after completion of initial mandatory engagement.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WHILE IN IAF

I was borderline underweight when joined the IAF in 1997. I never knew that I would do `n` number of extra activity inspite of knowing that the academics would be too challenging to do well along with PT and Parade of a Military training.

I decided to join Martial Arts Classes being conducted at IAF`s E&ITI at Jalahalli(E) Bangalore. I was running 3 kilometres after the PT in the evening, skipping Evening Tea and snacks. After 90 minutes of Taekwondo Training I used to be an exhausted trainee Airman. I needed huge diet in the dinner which used to be almost over by the time I used to reach the mess.

I managed the diet becoming a Mess Member. I used to have enough extra diet for myself without spending extra. However the Mess Member Duty was not prefered due to certain inherrent issues.

I was the tallest Trainee in my Flight. This made me a `default Marker` of my Parading Flight. This factor also made me exceptionally good in Parade.

The Offence in a Military establishment is awarded with various punishment including a `pack parade`. One of my mate there got absented himself with evening PT and was awarded a `pack parade`. He had joined Graduation from IGNOU in the trainin Centre itself and had gone to write one of the paper. However the punishment day was also a paper!

I offered myself for the pack parade in lieu of the mate. The Ground Training Instructor could never doubt that a collegue can replace for such huge punishment! The Mate gave the test of Graduation successfully. He was the fist person to complete Graduation, that too in First class.

After completion of two years, it was time to pass out as `P` Staff. I had got a posting in Gwalior in a sopisticated Fighter Aircraft. I decided to be at Bangalore by back phasing in final examination. This decision was tough as in Military being a Trainee is indeed a tough life. I got 5 more months and passed out getting `Red Belt` in Taekwondo form of Martial Arts. Thus, I was also eligible as a Martial Arts Instructor.

My first posting was in North Eastern Part of India in a Transport Aircraft. Here I was the Junior most combatant, but managed to conduct Martial Art Classes in the evening and commanded a lot of support and respect from Air Force Authorities. I completed my Graduation in First Division through IGNOU. In this Tenure I had to be deputed for a specialization training at Kolkata for 6 months. Here also I conducted Martial Arts Classes and Merathon Run. I had two Mega Mountaineering Expeditions at the Himalays taking my own Annual Leave for one month each.

Next Tenure was at a Famous City of Uttar Pradesh for 5 years. I continued with Martial Arts Classes. I completed my Masters in Philosophy as Private Candidate. I was the Topper in the City. I did four more high altitude mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. I also completed para jump from my very own Transport Aircraft in which I used to take care of Electronic Equipments.

Next was the tenure at a city which is capital of two states. I had flair for Driving but lacked enough money. I purchased second hand Dawoo Matiz car for Rs 50000 only which I drove to Kanpur in the next Transfer and sold it to a outgoing staff. I then purchased first hand car Tata Nano which I drove to my home town Ranchi. By the time I was posted again to the Nort East state, I had completed my MBA in Marketing from IGNOU.

Last tenure was very important as I had to switch career after initial 19 years of service and I had already given unwillingness to further serve after 20 years. I got myself attached to IT section of a Squadron and was blessed with a new Tata Sumo whom I drove many thousand Kilometers and even was in supportive roles for IT Staff.

I got tremendous support from collegues and seniors there. I prepared well for Bank, SSC and Railway Exams and cleared all. SBI was the first to call which I joined in 2017.