SEC 115 PROGRAM BEGINS

Welcome to all
The SEC115 Program started this morning at 09:30am. 21 participants gathered at Conference Room 5 at ASCI, Hyderabad, India. The participants varied in backgrounds, cultures and experiences. How we interact on this first occassion would determine our lives together for the next four weeks.
Fortunately for us we are at the hands of experienced professionals that only know too well how to blend the different backgrounds in such a setting. They are Professor Mohan and Professor Duggal- they are to be our coaches and our guides in the coming weeks.
The first day started with briefings on the administrative aspects of the course, then we had an empowering lecture from the Director of Shipping Corporation of India, Mumbai, Mr. Kailash Gupta on the topic Business Environment & Emerging Challenges for Organisations.
A tour to the Library followed - little did we know, this was a strategic move by our coaches - to ensure that we did not have any excuse for the reading assignment that was dished out later in the day.....now, we cannot say we can't find a book, even for the international participants..lols!!!
The afternoon session saw us getting to know each other very well - we shared names (including adding an adjective that describes our personality, but it has to start with the same alphabet as our preferred names....do not be fooled - it is not as easy as it sounds.....some of us struggled with this....), backgrounds and experiences of all sorts. We shared about the trip to Hyderabad for this training and delayed flights and extended stopovers topped the list of frustrations. We discussed role models and the likes of Walt Disney came up as well as Parents and Grandparents alike. We deliberated on our different interests and singing, dancing and playing sports were highlighted - we look forward to the Cultural Night for a full display of the singing and dancing talents.....we will be at the mercy of our appointed Cultural Coordinators.
We played an intense game called 'the number 7'. It was truly a test to jog the old memory on the 7 times table - coupled with stress and more stress as we all tried not to get eliminated.
We were appraised of the the positive effects of YOGA and were encouraged to join the early morning sessions a 6:15 am - the thought of an early morning exercise, if I can call it that - hmmm - well - will just have to wait and see who turns up in the morning - there will definitely be more updates on this - so keep tuned in....
We have also an appointed Sports Coordinator - his task is to coordinate the sporting activities for the next four weeks - I do not anticipate a problem for him as our group is quite active - we have swimming champions in the water and out of the water among us as well as quite accomplished croquet players - after our session today - yes, we can sign up for the Commonwealth Games...
The first day has been eventful - I can say that we have set an appropriate foundation for the days and weeks ahead. Some of us are still getting used to the place, the food and the heat- but all in all - we have had a great day.

We even have tour guides in our midst - they availed themselves, their time and resources to guide us on a 1km ??? (we really need to check on that estimation - possibly maybe 4km or km???lols!!!) walk to the Hyderabad Shopping Centre. Another experience is the ride on the 'Auto' - I think that's the right spelling...back to ASCI - quite a memorable personal moment - if I must say!!!!
The day has ended well.

MKN