Annual expense report should follow FY format (last 3 months of FY 2017-18)

In the beginning of 2018, I have realized there is too much to write. I need to write the year review for which the whole diary needs to be read. Again, I have to do the whole year financial calculation and write the financial review blog. This comes as burden to be honest since new year beginning usually comes with many other deliverables as well.
In India we follow April to March financial year and I need to make lot of financial decisions in the month of February and March. Overall, what I found this year, following the calendar year for my financial year review blog-post does not make much sense.
Hence, I redesigned my expense tracking excel sheet from April2018 to March2019. That threw away the first three months of this calendar. In this post, along with the decision, let me also place the raw data for the first three months of calendar year 2018 or the last three months of the financial year 2017-18.



INFLOW Table:

	Salary	Loan Repay/ Rmbrsmt	Bank Interest	Others	Maturity of investment	Market	Total
Jan	108492	11420		2395		4872	127179
Feb	116380	17370				11167	144917
March	111376	33600	11501	630	625868	3023	785998
Total	336248	62390	11501	3025	625868	19062	1058094

OUTFLOW Table:

	Upkeep	Food	Personal	Family	Investment	Transport	Travel	Gift	Recreation	Tax	Loan	Total
Jan	1373	5456	3299	1980	228163	788	6823	1165	1890	11800	1420	264157
Feb	22679	2289	2000	642	149368	2140	7422	14500	0	3916	7700	212656
March	14824	3394	300	1205	785413	1975	12846	2400	3001	3916	70434	899708
Total	38876	11139	5599	3827	1162944	4903	27091	18065	4891	19632	79554	1376521
Percentage	3.67%	1.05%	0.53%	0.36%	109.91%	0.46%	2.56%	1.71%	0.46%	1.86%	7.52%	130.09%

How am I preparing myself for marriage ?

I have been in the process of (or may have already) demystifying two big bubbles of human life- bubble about job and marriage.

Let's first talk about job. What kind of job should be done by a person who has background of NIT, Microsoft, McKinsey, Oxford, government, non profit, entrepreneurship, volunteering, strong academic experience etc ? Something extraordinary, obviously! Some examples maybe adviser to CM or cabinet minister, hi-flying McKinsey manager, country head of any MNC or foundation, World Bank economist or UN project head, legislature, high profile director level guy of any startup or business house, an author, an activist? Certainly not a contractual consultant of a government agency. But what would the person accomplish on day to day basis? Will the powerpoints, boring meetings, rebuke from managers, envious looks of colleagues, being political victim, pressure to perform, feeling that (S)he has not been remunerated well etc go away? You may get a few exciting moments, some happier events, accolades & recognitions, official travels, feeling of contentment - but these things usually happen in any job. Then what distinguishes one from the other? I think it is the perception of common mass. So, barring a 0.1% exceptions, there is essentially a bubble.

Coming to marriage - with my background (mentioned above) a decent height, stable family background, and moderate look, what kind of girl would be ideal for me? Working in big corporate, alumni of foreign universities, good height and fair complexion, small-time actress/singer/news-anchor, hi-fi family background etc- this is what people expect. Some even suggested that I should use marriage as a vehicle to enter into politics or become rich. However, my family background and my own perception of life are important parameters in this decision.

I have tried to pen-down probable priority factors for me in the selection of a bride. Let me pen down my current thoughts:
1. Minimum disruption: I want marriage to cause me minimum disruption. Bringing someone from outside Delhi, searching an engagement for her in Delhi would be super difficult. As I would start a new inning in NSDC soon, I want to concentrate on that and don't want disruptive stuff at this point of time in life.
2. Close to Home: Satyakam told this point and I agree with. Since I might spend most time out of Assam, whenever I visit home I should get maximum time to spend in Agia. And this would be possible only when the bride is from neighboring places.
3. Age maturity: I don't want to marry a 25-year old immature kid; at the same time, I don't want to marry 30+ someone as well, since I am already 33. She should be able to handle both my Agia's relatives, as well as my Oxford friends. And, I am sure this maturity would come with age.
4. Career track: I want someone with a proper career track, not too much time-consuming track like the private consultants or coders, but also not that of a TET teacher. She should be serious about career and that track should take her to the pinnacle of her profession, unlike a nurse, clerk etc. A respectable profession, but with flexibility, average pay (the more is merrier though), and ideally not related to my domain (IT, Policy etc). I prefer her to be from a premier institution as I believe the friend circle created in a premier education institute is a valuable asset. Earlier I also wanted someone from Assamese medium school, not anymore. She ideally should not study with donation and take a job with bribe.
5. Independent woman: I seriously want a woman who is independent of finance, thoughts, and emotions. I hate creating a liability. This does not mean I will not take care of her needs; but I want to support her, not design and create a thought/finance process for her. She should have a positive attitude and art of handling people/stress by herself. I can always extend my suggestion, but don't want to poke into her affairs and try to find a solution on her behalf. A bit risk taker, adventure lovers are most desirable.
6. Looks: I don't want a very beautiful or sexy woman. As per Ramayana's logic, she should be healthy enough to bear a child (or maybe for satisfying sexual desires). I am attracted towards woman with height and with bigger breasts. She should not be fat though- I myself very conscious about having the ugly belly. Moderate fair complexion is ok. Unlike many other boys, I am not very persistent on looks of woman. Smartness is a key factor. However, I want a healthy being, since I am really scared of visiting hospitals.
7. Regarding kids: Since I am already 34, I want to have kids just after marriage. I want someone with that mentality. However, she shouldn't leave her career for pregnancy. Although I am not so keen on marriage, I am quite clear that after getting married, kids are must.
8. A woman with extra-curricular: Since I am zero on extra-curricular, I want a bride with music, painting, sports etc. I want to put some colored portraits, musical instruments at my home so that the next generation gets inspired for taking up those activities. Watching Formula1 or stage theatres should be fun with my future partner. She should be a bubble of energy - I like that.
9. Thoughts on in-laws: Once I decided that I don't want to use marriage as an instrument to achieve something, I have very little expectations from in-laws. I don't want to take much responsibilities, and don't want single kid bride. It is preferred that she has a brother who will take care of the parents once they age. I want the parents to be financially independent, but humble. I don't want to receive anything as dowry; however, if I get something I won't mind accepting considering I have kept the financial independence of the girl as a criterion.
10. Middle class mentality: I am ashamed of myself sometimes, but let me write here- I am an ultra middle class boy. I always switched-off light, think multiple times before buying things, save money by traveling via bus, manage without vegetables etc. (I have some non-middle class logic as well for being so). My mother, home members, most relatives are of similar nature. Hence, the girl should be from middle class family; otherwise, she will go mad.
11. Masculinity: I always speak about equal level playing field for both men and women. However, off-late, I have realised I won't be able to do some things, such as cooking nutritious food every day, initiating the kitchen activities when a visitor comes, washing cloth regularly, shopping vegetable etc. One more example maybe I would expect my wife to wash my inner cloths, but I myself don't feel comfortable in washing her private clothes. As per middle class mentality, there are 'female' specific jobs and I really want someone else to do it.

12. Caste, mother tongue, widow etc: I am open to any caste, however speaking, reading and writing of Assamese language is a must. Thinking about family, I would like to be restricted to Hinduism only. Understanding of Assamese music, literature, poetry etc is desirable. I am also open to widow (without kids) or divorcee; but thinking about my family, I have kept that option silent for the time being.
13. Relationship with Maa, Dada: Maa is the supreme authority at home and Maa's priorities need to be served first. Although she is quite arrogant a few times, Maa is quite logical, and hence I don't have much issues in following her. There would be hardly any scope of argument concerning Maa, and my partner should understand this. Dada and Bou are both simple human beings and I don't want to make them uncomfortable at any point of time. In fact, this is a very important point why I don't want a bride from hi-fi background, considering the fact that I have decided to remain in India itself for the most part of my life. A simple middle class woman with a high zeal to establish herself would be ideal.
14. Being famous: Do I want to marry someone who is famous/public figure. The answer has been yes. But will a famous personality carry the middle class simplicity that I am looking for? I don't know. That will take knowing someone for a year and then decide. But, I am sort of running out of time. But I really want someone who has the desire to become famous one day.
15. Virginity, old relationship etc: I remember how woman virginity was such a big issue for me at one point in time. But eventually, maybe after losing my own virginity, this became a non-issue. I don't think virginity and not being in any relationship earlier are big parameters now (my friends in Agia don't think that way), although, I always show tremendous respect to those who can remain virgin till the time of marriage. However, I am cautious about the 'chipku' or 'best friend' type animals that many girls have.
16. Good cook: I always considered food to be the least priority in my life. However, it has affected my body, hair, teeth and will continue affecting if I don't pay the much-needed attention. Also, after staying alone for so many years, I long for delicious foods now. Hence, I am growing a desire that a good cook would be very ideal. Although I am not food enthusiast, she should supplement me in this case.
17. Not obstructing my freedom: This is again important. I have a way of working, a few things to do, organizations to attend to, friends to chat and meet, own definitions of leisure time etc. I don't want to lose my freedom. In the time of listening to Zubeen, I don't want to go shopping etc. I want to spend some time with myself (eg- in time of writing this blog) and I don't want that to be affected.
18. Love or arranged: I always have a fantasy for arranged mariage. It might be because I never loved anyone wholeheartedly, or, my definition of proper love has always been the flowery-novel-princess type. Although I had been attached to a few females, I never thought of marrying anyone. My focus on career is another reason. So, in the whole duration, I thought God will arrange me a super perfect bride. As I become 32, I realized God is not coming to rescue me. Also, my possibility for an arranged marriage is low, since my family members don't really know many people that might be a good match for me.Hence, I have realized I have to find someone by myself, Maa has also told this repeatedly. Hence, I am more inclined to 'know someone and ask parents to talk' type mood. Marrying someone about whom I don't know anything was a fantasy earlier; the more I know about myself, my middle-class nature and egos, I think that will be a disaster. I must know the person for some time before marrying.
19. Am I compromising: The biggest question is - am I compromising on my childhood imaginary character of a bride (Gauri from Aximot Jar Heral Xima, Bapukon's crush in Saudar Puteke Nao Meli Jai, Amitabh's wife in Suryabansham etc)? Should I wait until I come across the perfect bride as per my definition? As I become 33+, I realised this is indeed the bubble I talked in the beginning of the post. With so many parameters I listed above, do you even think there may be someone perfect? The other question is how much perfect am I? Hence, the accurate way to think- how can I make a moderately perfect match to a perfect one!


NB: While writing the criteria one girl is coming to my mind, and hence I might be little biased (not more than 8%).

Living with bad teeth

I went to the dentist (Gupta Medical Centre, Jangpura) today as I had to make a bridge on the tooth extracted four months ago. I was sure something else will show up; such is the level of confidence I have on the worst quality of my teeth. Just by the fact that I have to appear before a dentist has made my mental situation terrible for last one day. For some unknown reasons, I have developed the strange type of fear for visiting any doctor.

The dentist did an OPG (orthopantomogram aka OPG is an advanced type of dental x-ray) and I could clearly see the pathetic condition of my teeth. She told that now the bridge is not possible since the nearby tooth is in a bad position and needs an RCT as soon as possible. If I insist on having a bridge, then the affected tooth won't be able to bear the pressure in the long run. Because of its pathetic condition, it will start paining anyway a few month/year's later. One option would be to put a flexible cap (which to be removed every night) on top of the extracted tooth. However, once the side tooth goes for RCT after a few days, this temporary cap will not solve the purpose and a bridge will be anyway required.

 I also discussed the tooth in my lower jaw which causes pain time to time. She told even that tooth needs an RCT and the nearby one needs some fill-up. Most of my teeth have suffered bad treatment at the hand of unqualified dentists, I am told. Particularly, the Mizoram doctor has ruined many parts.   
Since I have very few days left in Jangpura, I don't think it would be wise decision to start the RCT which will take 4-5 seatings. I also want to take opinion from a different doctor, although I quite get convinced by the lady doctor, who explains everything very nicely. 

The doctor also suggested I should brush twice daily and there should not be any deviation. The health of the teeth depends on the diet also. One good thing is that both my bones that connects jaws to nearby areas of the ear are in good condition, which means I am chewing by both left and right sides. The doctor also informed that they can minimize the pain in RCT by supplying medicine, and hence no need to worry. However, after RCT on the nearby tooth, I might have to wait for 6 months before putting the bridge. A bridge will take minimum 2 seatings.

They took 300/- for consultation, 700/- for OPG, informed that RCT will take 4600/- (without a cap, with fill up), crown takes  3000-3500/- per tooth, composite fill up is done at 1600/- per tooth. 

Apart from the dental issues, discussion about pain at knee and back has dominated overall discussion in my life- both at the office and at home. Maa's pending injections at the back, Rintu's back pain, Amit (Jain)' sudden back pain, Loonaji's exercise guide for reducing pain, Dada's sudden hospitalization for stomach pain. OMG! I want to remain pain-free. But it seems it is not possible once we age. I am really scared. After shifting to a new place, I promise, yes promise, regular exercise will be part of my life. 

I resigned from NeGD/NISG, again !

So, I have to write a long story as the previous posts didn't have slightest indications that something like this might occur. I hope this is going to be a crucial turn in my career.

I applied for the Depty Head position at NSDC long back on 3 January while browsing the NSDC career page just randomely. They told that my profile had been shortlisted for interview but the position went on hold for unknown reasons. Instead, they asked whether I am open for a consultant position at MSDE. I said NO as I wanted to go away from the contractual consultant position.

The absolute no work scenario at office and the torture for DigiGaon project made me rethink on my decision. On 24 January, I expressed my willingness for the consultant role. However, I am told this time that my present CTC is higher for that position, and that is quite a junior level position. I also understood how Divya is a senior consultant at MSDE.

Slowly I forgot about NSDC application (like other 10 applications) amidst the excitement of Riyadh trip, my only official foreign tour (a separate blogspot is coming on that) till now.

On 20 February 11-00 AM, I suddenly got a call from NSDC HR asking whether I can come over to NSDC office for an interview that day itself. It was too sudden and I wasn't prepared at all. After preparing myself mentally when I called them back to confirm my participation, she informed that my experince is lesser than that of the Deputy Head role and whether I would be open for an analyst role too. To be honest, I was not open; but I decided to sit for the interview first. Amit (Jain) also suggested the same. I made a Uberpool and reached the NSDC office in Aerocity just 2 minutes before scheduled time (never ever take Uberpool if you have an interview for God's sake). Although the office infrastructure was very impressive, I got upset encountering shouting mob of 30-40 people walking and chatting in the reception of NSDC. But once I enter inside, the environment was different.

My first round was with Mr. Vishal Sharma, Chief Program Officer of NSDC. After learning Microsoft-Oxford-McKinsey, he told I have ticked marked all the right boxes. He was basically asking about my previous experiences. At one point of time, he got frustrated since I didn't have any concrete project output to show. DigiSevak is on halt, DigiGaon hasn't started, Mantri office PMU is by KPMG, University workshops are just meetings, GCCS is just one event - what exactly have I done? I knew this would come; I tried to explain the existence of NeGD and how administrative work and politicial compulsions have made my work experience pathetic. I think he understood the point. I informed about PSC experinces. He asked lot about family as well, even commented that my hairs don't go with my marital status. He was ex-Army officer; when he knew Dada was in Navy, he commented ex-Sainik School guys usually go for commissioned officer ranks only. It lasted for 20 min around. He ended by instructing his PA that I must have a chat with Mahendra, the head of RPL project, the same project where I would be the deputy head.

When I was waiting for being interviewed by Mr Sharma I observed one person roaming here and there with 'uncomfortable' facial expression. My worst nightmare came true when he came out to be Mahendra Singh Payaal. We started chatting sitting on the side sofas itself as there was no vacant place. I was extra careful while answering, with smile after every answers and trying to be as humble as possible. He asked questions like project leading experince, strength and weakness, failure example, doing something I am proud of, previous work experinces, team work etc. One stuck moment was when he was not satisfied with my answer of what I know about NSDC and PMKVY. I had wealth of information, including how much Govt own in NSDC, but somehow I was missing the point he wanted to hear. Still things went through and I think it went well.

Surprisingly, there was a HR round that day itself. The HR lady (Sharanya Narayan) took me to a cabin for an HR round. She herself is a pass-out from a UK university and was taking much interest in my Oxford degree. She asked a lot of  questions, lot are HR related including marital status, my film etc. She was taking extensive notes; I noticed that her note ran for 3 pages. In fact, all the other interviewers had a piece of paper where they needed to put their comments. This HR round lasted longer (I thought), but it was a relaxed one.

The fourth and final round was scheduled with Mr. Arjun Khanna, Senior Head of HR. Since he was in another meeting, I had to wait for around 40 min. Although Sharanya gave me an option to leave, I decided to finish everything because traveling that far is a pain. By the time, Mr. Khanna started questioing me he had all the three feedback papers from the above three. His first question - who is Manjit Nath? Although I enjoy answering such questions, I took some time to come to my normal flow. He told he shortlisted my profile because I have a technology background and NSDC needs that at this point of time. He asked me to draw on board how technology can help NSDC and how I have used technology in my life to impact big. For the first part, I draw pictures remembering 5I's of Maya Tudor's class and that went really well, I guess. For the second, I told about Unicode Assamese language thing and fund raising during flood in a small village in Assam. He told that I have made his day because he hold the opinion of recruting fewer people and using more technology to solve problems. Finally, he described a real life problem that NSDC is trying to solve now (verify whether partner organizations actually place trainees) and asked my solution. I gave three perspectives of solving the issue (although I was not so sure, Amit later told that my solution was exactly to the point). He told when we meet next, we will discuss this. Mr. Arjun asked about my expectation, notice period, whether I am being interviewed by others ('tell honestly') and informed my next round would be with MD and CEO.

I returned home by taking metro, exhausted after four rounds of interview, excited as well. Started watching videos of Manish Kumar, MD & CEO and also of COO. They both are new, inducted after the cleanup and initiation of PMKVY 2.0. Lot of their efforts are going into clearing the mess created by the previous managment of NSDC and MSDE.

At IHC, after interview moment

Although I was expecting longer time break, on the evening of very next day, I got a call asking my availability for an interview with CEO the next day afternoon at India Habitat Centre (IHC). It seems the CEO will come for parliament affairs, and before a meeting in the afternoon, he will be in one of the business centres of IHC for some time. I might have to wait for since he might come late from parliament and there won't be anyone from NSDC at IHC for coordination purpose. I took a UberGO on 22 Feb (no more Uberpool) and reached the venue 7 minutes in advanced. I found the Room Number 3 of the business centre and got to know he is already inside.

The interview lasted for less than 5 minutes. He had no idea about my resume or what post I had applied. Hence, his first question was what I will do as Deputy head of RPL. I took some time to bring that pespective. He asked again what exactly (concrete) you will do. Since he also attended a course in Harvard Kennedy, he asked my course structure at BSG. I found he is also fond of technology. But why not in our IT division, he asked. (Grr, I am trying hard to get out of the IT bracket, and this man again pulling me !) His last question was why Digital India to Skill India.

I didn't have slightest clue whether he was positive or negative- completely expressionaless face. I didn't think much. But after 3 days, on 25th Feb (that is a Sunday), NSDC HR emailed me with a positive news. Wow! They asked me to submit different documents, but didn't mention salary anywhere. I realise the actual battle is yet to be fought. I replied the next day with the essential documents, my expected salary and the reasons why I expect the same. Then NSDC went on a complete silence, while I started dreaming about resigning. In between, I made a trip to Mussoire.


I was impressed by the quickness shown by NSDC since 20 Feb telephone call. But they disappointed me in case of proposing the compensation structure. I had to make 2 phone calls, 2 SMS and one email followups. Looking at my consistent bad luck record, I thought something unusual might have happened at NSDC. At last, when I was about give up the NSDC chapter, they sent a compensation structure on 8 March offering 20 lakhs CTC which includes 13% variable component. I was not happy.

So, it was negotiating time again and I wached videos and read articles on art of negotiation. I took the night time of the same day for formulating my point and drafted an email in the morning of 9th. (I am not writing about my style of argument here as the email can be accessed anything in my gmail Sent items). Just before sending the email to Ms Gurupreet Bhalla, Senior HR manager I accidently deleted the email. I cursed myself, walked to office, had a chat with Amit and again drafted the email. After 2 hours, she sent an email asking me to make a call. I was running with tremendous stress; negotiating these kind of things are not easy. And, I have been alone all along in formulating my arguments.

In the telephone call, I re-stated the points I put in the email, mainly the point that I am on the appraisal month and my current salary is low compared to market average. She told low basic component and variable component are as per company policy. I requested her to think positively on my requested amount of around 22.4 Lakh as CTC. I was smiling, trying hard not to sound arrogant, at the same time, expressing my thoughts clearly with arguments. She kept the phone assuring to have an internal review. I got call from Ms Bhalla while I was on my way home. She told my CTC has been revised to 23 lakhs and fixed component to 20 lakhs, more than what I requested. OMG! such things also happen in this world? I couldn't believe myself. 'Acche Din aa gaye kya?'

Yesterday (12 March) morning I sent my consent to NSDC for the revised compensation requesting whether they can increase my basic component by any chance which will affect my PF, HRA, Gratuity etc. They said no. Incidently my designation at NeGD changed to 'Concultant cum Senior Manager' in the morning time. At around 5-00 PM, I recieved the signed copy of the offer letter and I sent the resignation email at 5-08 PM. The new assigned CEO was taking the first meeting; I took out 2 minutes from Vinay Sir to inform before sending out the resignation email. I informed Neeraj Sir today (13 March). Both of them are agreeing on April last as my last day. I have given 2 May as joining date to NSDC.

So, finally a change is due. Maybe this change will also initiate the other most important event of my life - Marriage. I need to shift my rented house near to Airport. Lot of changes are coming. God - bless me!