This is very long back, more than a decade now. The first time I heard the word “computer”. Was in high school, when there was this big argument in our house, as to what group of subjects that my sister should take up for her higher secondary classes. Before that, yes, I have heard this word on and off, but have never got a desire to know what it is all about.
So all this discussion happens, and finally everyone at home came to one point where my sister would be taking computers as one of the 4 main subjects. That was when this thing (then) “computers” got into our families lives. And days passed by, my sister used to come home and tell us about how she sat in a computer lab, and did programming. I was still no where near it.
Then one day, my dad decides on purchasing a computer for his office use. (Office was very much accessible to home). Everyone in the office and home are very excited about this. And still I don’t bother (reason, I don’t know what it is and no interest to know too). I was in my 10th Standard. Days go by, busy with studies, exams and all phobias (not for me, but for my mom). Finally I get a big summer break and here comes the “thing” “computer” into my life. And guess what the first thing I learn in that is to of course switch it on, and then, start a game “Dave” (my mentor – my sister, already in college, as a computer engineereing student). I play day in and day out; refusing to allow my dad’s staff to work on it (you know I am the boss’s daughter, so no one asks me to get off). My dad and mom given up on me (not really, the real reason being no school work, no “must do” studies). I gradually improve, 6-7 levels n Dave, hocus pocus, bricks. Etc. So 3 months – Computer becomes my world.
And then school again, guess what, I take computers as one of the main subject, but not that I had fallen for it (I still don’t know what this box is), but I am fascinated by the thought of playing games all by myself hours together. All is well, and my sister purchases a new computer at home. Her room is all done, insulated for heat protection. I loved going to that room – one, to play games, and two, it’s air-conditionedJ.In school, I get to go to the computer lab, do programming, but still lots of question marks about this box. But then I knew for sure, I cannot do this programming stuff forever in life. (As my today’s profession was always my passion from high school). School life is DONE, and computers come into my life again (games, games and more games). And guess what I get out of out in Computers in 12th standard board exams JJ (Those who learnt computers with heart and soul and did not get centum – Please do not curse me)
Then, I go on to make my passion and dreams come true. I thought no more “computers” in my life. My life is all about pencil and pen and scales and colors I thought. And then 2 years passed, and I came to know of a thing called AutoCAD (software to create architectural drawings) in Computer during yet another summer break. Now I am mighty thrilled. I go on to venture what it is all about, and guess what I fell for it. I wanted to know more now, which I did. Get back to college again and go on to make my dream come true. By then I am introduced to “internet” (to be very honest did not give a damn about that word too). But slowly started to get stuff from the net for assignments, projects, etc.
Finally College life is DONE, and by then I had AutoCAD at home. By then Computers was more a tool for me to produce fast drawings other than to play! And we get internet at home. Wow, what all happens with that, songs, chat with friends, letters, and of course more games!
And then go on to start my career, use AutoCAD to the fullest extent possible (sadly, no pencils, pens, scales), but enjoying the tool. By now Computers means only AutoCAD for me, though I am exposed to lot of other things that I can do with it.
I move on, and then guess what; I get married to a Computer professional as irony would have it, who tells me the power of internet and computers! I really do not give a thoughtful ear about it (yet another time in my life). Google gets introduced to me, but I say its one phone call away to find out things!
Life moves on, I happen to step my feet on the most developed country of the world, and then Life changed for me! Thoughts changed, guess what internet and GOOGLE becomes a part of my world, no, no, become my world! I start using Google for anything and everything, Google maps, Google search, Google’s Gmail, Google’s orkut. Life started revolving around Google. I know how to make rasam, but still Google to find out other ways of making it. Going to a store...Google. Going on a trip… google. Learning to play the piano… google. Movies… google, want to cook… Google. Stuck at work…Google. Google has become the most important part of my life. I may very well call, My boy friend is google now! I cannot be without mentioning that I got my present job as a result of me posting my resume on the web world!
This is reality. What was once a damn thing for me has become an inseparable part of my mind today! I sincerely appreciate the invention; it sure is a wonder (at least to my own eyes, as I don’t know the technology involved). I can talk to all my friends on a daily note, keep in touch with all my near and dear ones, write what I think like this and share with the world, get in touch with old friends, clear my doubts, lots of other things, plus my childhood passion….increased two folds…Play lots of games!
This moment, I sincerely appreciate Charles Babbage, and internet, and of course GOOGLE and all the mind and soul working day in and out to make our life so well connected and hassle free! Hats off!
