SHANKAR SRINIVASAN
Vice President and Head, Hyderbad,
Cognizant.
We were flooded with vignettes, ranging from the ragging that toughened me, friendships that continue despite our different professions, open book tests that turned out to be more difficult than the normal ones, and choosing professors and preparing your own timetable. The more flippant slices of our life included, playing tennis ball cricket, late night chai (Indian Tea) trips and so much more. Campus life gave me the freedom and taught me to be independent, accountable and responsible for my own destiny.
Initially, I was inclined towards the hardware industry, also because, those days, a career in the hardware industry was considered glamorous. However, my final year decided my destiny. I completed my thesis on repairing and maintaining IBM plotters and this sealed my fate! It was going to be the software space for me!
After my second year at college, I worked on a summer internship at IGCAR, Kalpakkam, where I had the privilege of interacting with some brilliant scientists there. I not only learnt holography but more importantly, began to appreciate the virtues of dedication, focus and pride in one's work. I was able to bring these with me to Cognizant where I realized to my sheer delight, that this Organization shared and cherished the same core values.
Looking back, college life was an opportunity to work in a diverse environment replete with challenges. Overcoming such differences and channeling our strengths towards our goals together—this was probably my most important learning, a learning reinforced by Cognizant. Where the dictum is “Team Works”. And the tag line is a “Passion for making a difference”!
To yourself, society and the Organization.
Wishing you all the very best in your own unique journey!
