Dear Friends and Families,
P.S: This is a long post, as I believe this is an opportune moment to share my thoughts.
I graduated with a MBA degree last night. I am glad that I could make many people back home, cherish my feat. This #byumba is definitely one of the happenings which has contributed largely in me growing both personally and professionally. My MBA colleagues plus the BYU network as a whole have taught me a lot, making this program as well as my decision to pursue MBA here at BYU, an absolutely worthwhile experience.
At BYU, over the past two years, I have met many amazing people and have made some friends for life. Though I acknowledge the fact that I could have opened out myself some more, to have made more friends.., I still have a long list of BYU folks to thank, but I guess that it is only fair that I dedicate another post to them.
Last evening, as I was taking the “grad walk” towards the podium on the stage, I had mixed feelings. I missed many people by my side. There are many who have touched my life in a big way, helping me reach where I stand today, so, I dedicate this post to all of them. Almost everyone who knows me well, are aware of the amount of sacrifice and hard work which my mother and (unsung efforts of) my grandmother have put in for the last 25+ years, ever since I lost my father in 1990. In return, this MBA (and the MS that my younger brother accomplished 3 years ago) is a small thing we have been able to do, to make them happy.
Switching gears, there are countless people who have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Some of them have gone out of their way in making my life meaningful. Dr.Seetharaman Sir!! He played a pivotal role (during the years 1999-2001), in orienting me, the then young high school kid, to pursue engineering. He also made understand that hard work is necessary to succeed in life and believe in the fact that hard work always pays.
Next, I call her aunty, her name is Radha Krishnan, many people from PEC would know her as Sundaresan’s mother. I have seen very few souls like her. She considers me as her son, but I truly feel that I am far away to be given this title. I can write a separate post about her, but this post would be incomplete without mentioning her. During my high school/undergrad days, she seeded in me the desire to pursue higher education, as well as remained a constant source of encouragement to channelize my thoughts and actions to pursue my desire. Whenever I wavered from my path, due to professional or personal responsibilities, she reminded me of the milestones I had set for myself. 'Master's laan enna aachu?(what happened to Master's/MBA goals?)’ she would ask... I am blessed to receive her motivation.
Next, Lourdu Xavier- My friend for over a decade now, and in US slang, we are sort of MBA husband & wife. Over the past 10 years, I can’t count the number of times we have consulted each other while taking important decisions in life. In fact we both prepared for GMAT together . He, Gokul Nambiar and Rajesh Sundararaj have persistently encouraged and inspired me to pursue my dreams. I am happy that both of us have succeeded in accomplishing the MBA. (He graduated with an EMBA from IIM Lucknow last month and has started his business career). I wish him good luck!
Special Mentions: RajaG - Who encouraged me and positively influenced my thoughts, Vijayaraman- who introduced me to BYU, Nirmal Ganesh - whom I bugged infinitely ever since I got the admit to BYU in March 2014, Vivek- for having provided me with the choultry every time I visited the Bay area, Perumal and Pinki (P4 family)- For all the love and affection you have showered. I could always turn to you whenever I needed guidance, Manikandan Arumugam bro - My Guberan (குபேரன், angel investor) - for the last two years !- (தம்பி உடையான் படைக்கு அஞ்சான் - One who has younger brother, doesn't need to worry about the opponent's army), @Balasubramani Arunachalam - for being my family more than a friend, Smruthy - for being contented with the little time I gave and showing glimpses of how awesome (to-be)-pondatti/wifey she is and how lucky-purusha(hubby) I am.
@All friends, colleagues, roommates and neighbors - who have encouraged and supported me in my decisions and helped me grow personally and professionally. And for all the times we partied, enjoyed, laughed.. You made it easier to stay away from home! - you will always be in my thoughts. Thank you so much.
One box, the job box, still remains unchecked in my goal list. I hope with all your blessings and prayers I will get it off the list soon.
Lastly, I leave you with some Kurals that inspire me!
எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம் துணிந்தபின்
எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்கு
(Think, and then dare the deed! Who cry,
'Deed dared, we’ll think.; disgraced shall be.)
உள்ளம் உடைமை உடைமை பொருளுடைமை
நில்லாது நீங்கி விடும் (592)
(The wealth of mind man owns a real worth imparts,
Material wealth man owns endures not, utterly departs.)
உள்ளுவ தெல்லாம் உயர்வுள்ளல் மற்றது
தள்ளினுந் தள்ளாமை நீர்த்து (596)
(Whate'er you ponder, let your aim be lofty still,
Fate cannot hinder always, thwart you as it will.)
தெய்வத்தான் ஆகா தெனினும் முயற்சிதன்
மெய்வருத்தக் கூலி தரும்.
(Though fate divine should make you labour vain;
Efforts its labour's sure reward will gain.)
Most importantly, I thank the almighty for all the blessings that has been showered upon me and my family
With gratitude,
Rajesh alias Balasubramanian Arumugam
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