Few days back my sister came from US and got 2 laptops. I have got one for myself and other one which was bought for a distant cousin of mine has refused to take it now for some personal problem, therefore I am looking to sell one piece out of the two.

So if anybody is interested in buying a brand new Compaq laptop, you can call at 09899190407(Delhi) or mail me at gaurav [at] gombar [dot] in

The configuration of the laptop is as follows :
• Intel Celeron 1.6 Ghz
• 512 MB DDR RAM
• DVD / CDR Combo
• 15.4″ widescreen brightview technology (not a TFT)
• 80 GB HDD
• Operating System : Windows XP Home
• Other software installed such as Microsoft Works, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus, HP Photosmart Premier

Warranty : 1 year

P.S. : This system is for sale in Delhi but if you are not in Delhi and still wanna buy this you would have to arrange to collect it from here.

With changing times and not so successful stint with Indian Idol earlier this year, Sony has renamed its last year’s Fame Gurukul show to a brand new show - FameX to target the generation X to be telecasted on Sab TV this time. The show promises to be modern and spunky.

Fame X will find talent which will be omnipotent and a firepower with respect to music and performance. 14 young and raring-to-go individuals will try and survive 13 weeks of raw competition in the university of music. These X-Factor contestants will be groomed under the vigilance and tutelage of 3 music icons and other professionals from different fraternities.

The channel will be conducting auditions across select Indian cities from October 10 and will span over a period of three weeks. The judges, principal and hosts have yet to be finalised for the show. The show is expected to go on air in the second week of November.

Fame X is expected to be a battle, a hunt to find those contestants who have that X-factor in them who will survive the test of time and breed only the spirit of winning.

If you are looking to participate, see venue details here

In last 6 months or so I have taken quite a number of interviews for technical positions and that has given me an insight into psyche of the interviewer. If we make a rough estimate that around 50% of the people who appeared for the interview have almost the same technical level then what makes the interviewer select one candidate out of the whole lot. The following points helps interviewer or at least helped me in taking a decision of whom to chose.

a) First Impression - You must have heard this a lot on many occasions that, “The First Impression is the last impression”.As soon as you enter the room where your interview is going to take place, you are going to make an impression on the interviewer and you have only one chance to make an effective impression.

b) Communication Skills - One of the most important qualities that makes even an average candaidate looks excellent is his/ her communication skills. If one can communicate effectively thats surely going to make a dent on the interviewer and you will be given some extra points for it.

c) Confidence - If one can present himself/herself confidently that is going to take you places. Your best bet would be to answer all question confidently, whatever you speak, say it with confidence that you are correct. If you don’t know answer to any of the questions it is better to confidently say that you do not know the answer than to answer incorrectly with your confidence shaking.

d) Truthful - It is very important to be truthful while writing your CV and telling about yourself during the interview, be it your qualification or your personal abilities or your experiences, one must not be lying. Usually the interviewer has enough experience to figure out whether the interviewee is being truthful. Even if it goes undetected in the beginning - it does not really help later when you get caught with such lies.

e) What make you different or what is your USP or why should we chose you for the position - You should have a well prepared answer for this one as this probably is going to be your last question and you have the last chance to make an lasting impression on the interviewer.

Do let me know if you find this helpful whether you are the one who is preparing for an interview or responsible for taking interviews.

If you want to add some suggestions, you are welcome to put them in comments.

May the celebration of light illuminate you world - Happy Diwali

Diwali also called Deepavali is major Hindu festival. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. The festival of Diwali is rooted in the mythological epic Ramayana, and is a celebration of the return of Lord Ram after killing Ravan the demon during his exile for 14 years. The day that Ravana was slain is celebrated as Dussehra (19 to 21 days before Diwali). Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional diyas (as illustrated). Fireworks are associated with the festival in many regions of India.

I came across this video through Shivam’s blog and it is highlights the discrimination that Dalits have to go through every day in their lives and going through such a life make them convert themselves to Buddhism and other religions. If converting themselves to some other religion gets their pride back and they are given rights equal to others then this is a viable option, I don’t find anything wrong in this.

Earlier this month, thousands of Hindus from the former Untouchable castes are converting to Buddhism in protest at the continuing discrimination they face. Mass conversion ceremonies are being held throughout the month, from Delhi in the north, to Hyderabad in the south. Organisers are claiming that more than 100,000 people have already converted.

Conversion is a highly charged political issue. Several states have passed laws this year making it harder to convert, and the mass ceremonies will infuriate Hindu nationalist parties that have been campaigning to stop lower caste Hindus changing their religion.

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