The time of our lives-Industrial Visit to IBM,Bangalore

As the sun set behind the majestic mountains of Ettimadai, the students of CSE-B filled with enthusiasm were packing their bags for their first ever 3-day sojourn. Even though the night was closing in, the mood was very much upbeat as we were bound to go the one of the industries in the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore.

All of us woke up to the warm rays of the Sun hitting our faces as we reached Bangalore. Known for its wonderful weather, Bangalore was very pleasant and welcoming, yet some of us did pull out our cardigans.

Some of us seemed a bit tired and some hungry, but the sight of the board that read ‘Manyata Park’ shook us awake. As the bus entered the sprawling campus of a series of IT buildings one after the other, heads popped out of the windows. Everyone gazed at the buildings with awe. It also instilled in us a ray of hope and pinch of aspiration, to be a part of such a mind-blowing working environment.

Passing by the security check with guest badges hanging on our chests, we entered the office accompanied by a young man. He looked at all of us with a beaming smile and said,” Good Morning, and Welcome to IBM”. The office was posh, yet casual making it all-the-more comfortable. Couches with newspapers and magazines, handsome men and women walking around with files and laptops!

Some of the quotes on the walls were truly inspiring. To recall a few, ‘Innovation matters most, doing things differently’. It also had their DNA embedded on it, 1.Values 2.Innovation 3.Diversity and 4.Learning. Walking by all this, we were taken to a conference room on the 7^th floor where we shared an interactive session with one Mr.Santosh, who has been working for 15 years in this industry and also headed the Higher Graduate Programmes. The session not only proved to be informative but also gave us an in-depth insight on what the industry expects from a freshman. The session ended on a light note with one of the speakers quoting, ‘What matters most is how you see yourself. Even if you are a cat, act like a lion. Be a lion.’ He was well acclaimed. We then dispersed for some light snacks and a campus tour. IB M signed off in style hoping to see a few of us as a part of them next year.

Following the IBM visit, was our next venture, Mantri Square. It is a shopping mall situated in Bangalore with a gross build-up area of 1700000 square feet and is the third largest mall in India. It has over 250 outlets, 6 screen multiplex by INOX and a bowling alley. The first outlet of the popular Mexican restaurant Taco Bell is located here. The facts itself makes one go gaga. After much consensus, girls picked up their heavily loaded handbags and boys wore their bowling shoes to have the time of their lives.

Night life in Bangalore was at its splendour as we travelled through the well lit city en route to Amrita, Bangalore.

Zeal and zest filled in us up to the brim as we knew Wonderla awaited us. Wonderla is situated 28kms away from Bangalore spanning over 82 acres. The park tested our adventurous side. It featured some of the most gut wrenching hill thrill rides, refreshing water rides and had one of its kind, a spectacular Musical Fountain and Laser show. It also had a full fledged Discotheque with electronically controlled rain showers. This helped us discover the Michal Jackson and Jennifer Lopez in all of us. The various rides gave loud cries of joy as we hung mid air upside down. All in all, it was unquestionable fun.

This day was more relaxed. We decided to spend the day just enjoying the fast moving city of Bangalore. Some of us who had a hidden spiritual side decided to explore the magnificent ISKON temple while the rest of the shopping maniacs strolled through the Commercial streets and The Forum Mall. Shopped shopped shopped, till we dropped. Quite literally! The hands on the clock kept ticking and within no time it was time to say sayonara to Bangalore which we did with a heavy heart. Nevertheless we carry back with us well cherished countless memories which will last in our minds forever.