Engineering the best

It would be an understatement to say that there is a mad rush for seats in engineering colleges in India. Maybe it is because it is one of the few professional degree programmes after which a decent job is guarantees. Most graduates receive what the journalists and media persons are fond of calling “fat pay packages”. I don’t know the scenario in other countries, but I came across a query in yahoo answers today regarding the prospects after a B.S. degree in engineering, which is obtained from the American universities. I was startled to see that their engineers do not usually command the highest packages immediately after graduation, according to those who answered the queries. One expressed the fear of getting the job outsourced.

It just underscores the fact that the competition indeed is global. I believe that the competition has always been global, but even more so in today’s day and age. Which is why IIT graduates, considered the best in India, generally have the best career prospects. However, those who are not in IIT need not despair. They can be as good, if not better, by serious dedication, hard work and application, you know all the attributes that are required in an IIT aspirant, and much, much more. This is because in addition to focussing on studies, one must try and excel at almost every field. One must be the best. However one should not focus on the outcome, but on the effort. Instead of sinking into a vortex of depression and negativity, one must always move ahead and redouble ones efforts and vigour. This strain of thought is so ingrained in the Indian philosophy and way of life. It is mentioned in the bhagvad gita, although this philosophy cuts across all divisions and religious boundaries. To quote the srimad bhagvad gita, karmanye vadhika raste ma phaleshu kadachan. It is always important to work and not worry about the outcome.