The Mirare

Today, 31st March 2010, is going to be last day at Alcatel-Lucent for me. I have been working here for so long, almost a decade, that it has become my second home.

I know so many people here, have so much to speak, but when its time to say goodbye, words seem are hard to come by.

31st May 2000, I still remember the first day at Lucent quite clearly. Though like many engineers who join Lucent, I too had other options; but it was the magic of "Bell Labs Innovation" Tag line that did the trick, that attracted me to join Lucent and you bet it was a good decision.

New to MNC work culture, we had those funny transition days of addressing everyone by their names instead of Sir and Madam :)

My first salary was obviously was just one day's salary, but what a happy moment it was. I had got my economic independence! Yippeeeeee :)

Since most of the new joinees were freshers, it was indeed extension of college days. I can't forget the outings, movies, visiting each other homes, group studies, get-togethers; amazing time indeed!! Before our training period was over I was picked up for the hottest project at that time, DoCoMo!

Later we moved to different projects, I moved from GSM-OMC to OMC-RAN, while the entire GSM team was outsourced to Hughes. We did loose out on so many friends :(.
We were getting used to many cost cutting measures during those tough days.

Along side from project work, we participated in cultural programs as well.
I also finished my MS program with Lucent sponsorship.

From RAN onwards, my work on EMF related projects started. It was natural progression to OMCU and then to OMCQ.

Best part of OMC-RAN was thorough professional & transparent management. Managers at highest levels used to be available for any team member at any time. It only showed their genuine concern for team members and only natural leaders have it.

One of the most enriching experiences for me was in OMC-U. Though I had seen some down time in Lucent, we had only faced “no-hikes, no-promotions phase”, but not layoffs as such in India. When we went to Ireland for OMCU transition, for the first time I came face to face with layoffs. It was a tough time to be professional and get the work transitioned by those who were loosing their jobs, infact quite disturbing. It was quite depressing, to see people disappear in office one by one, lights in cubicles go off day after day, office equipments being moved out and lastly the last few members were just working in ground floor. I have seen the entire office come down to a complete halt and felt helplessly sad about it.

But it is in those tough times, some of the strongest bonds in life are formed. You get to know people, see the human side of every issue. Amazingly the very person whom I squarely replaced in Lucent, is one of my good friends till date.

OMC-U is also special for me, because this was the team where I got to take more responsibilties, change gears, fly at my pace to reach greater heights. It does take a proactive manager to get good opportunities and the needed recognition to their team members.

In OMCQ it was sheer dedication and unparalled energy of team members/developers that kept me going. Awesome team I must say!! I know I have some good friends from this team.

It’s just been 6 months in WCDMA division for me and it’s good to see a perfect combination of good team and a great manager.

And how I can forget the tremendous support I got for my environment project "Spoorthivana". We planted more than 250 trees via this project. Thanks everyone for your support.

Wish all my colleagues, friends only the very best in their career, life!!.

And as it is said "Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

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