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Wasted in Engineering: Story of India's Youth
'Engineering padicha nalla future - If you study engineering, you will have a good future.' This is a claim often repeated to children and teenagers by parents and teachers in many parts of India. But only those who have gone through an engineering college life know that it's not completely true.
There is a difference between calling yourself as an engineering graduate and an engineer. India produces millions of engineering graduates like you and me but only very few of us are actual engineers. Many of us just graduate with an engineering degree, with an artistic dream in mind.
What do you think is the difference between engineers in many countries around the world and engineers from India? In other countries, if David Pascal studied electrical engineering in college, few years later you can find him working as an electrical engineer. In India, if Ram Krishnamurthy studied electrical engineering, few years later you can find him working in a completely irrelevant field like software coding, banking, photography and even movie directing.
This book is not about the few engineering students in your class who love engineering. I don't hate them. In fact, I am very jealous that they study what they love. This book is about the majority of engineering graduates whose lives are wasted in engineering and is intended to tell you why you should make an attempt in pursuing your real passion, instead of being suffocated under the weight of an engineering degree.
This is a story of India's Youth.
Welcome to India, the land of Wasted Engineers.
There is a difference between calling yourself as an engineering graduate and an engineer. India produces millions of engineering graduates like you and me but only very few of us are actual engineers. Many of us just graduate with an engineering degree, with an artistic dream in mind.
What do you think is the difference between engineers in many countries around the world and engineers from India? In other countries, if David Pascal studied electrical engineering in college, few years later you can find him working as an electrical engineer. In India, if Ram Krishnamurthy studied electrical engineering, few years later you can find him working in a completely irrelevant field like software coding, banking, photography and even movie directing.
This book is not about the few engineering students in your class who love engineering. I don't hate them. In fact, I am very jealous that they study what they love. This book is about the majority of engineering graduates whose lives are wasted in engineering and is intended to tell you why you should make an attempt in pursuing your real passion, instead of being suffocated under the weight of an engineering degree.
This is a story of India's Youth.
Welcome to India, the land of Wasted Engineers.
- GenresNonfiction
184 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
61 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 8, 2017
Did you get caught into this whirlpool of Maya too?
A question that Prabhu Swaminathan has asked to his readers!
Wasted In Engineering might first seem as just another engineering book. Turning out to be an inspiring book for all who have studying and are planning to study engineering, this one can amaze you.
If you look closely, you'll find that this is a very well-researched book. The content and facts provided in it, have gone through a lot of processing and testing, then it has been published.
In order to fulfill the dreams of their parents, everyone plunge into the deep ocean of engineering. Even parents don't know if they are forcing their child into something that he may not want to do.
The author has successfully portrayed a picture before parents that engineering is not the only stream in which one can become successful. Breaking the ancient orthodox that has made its home in every Indian parents' mind, that only engineering can give you food to eat and a status to live by, the narrator made his point majestically.
At one point, Wasted In Engineering becomes an inspirational read for those who are thinking of pursuing Engineering, that whether this field is really what they want to devote their life in or is there something else?
At another level, it describes how Engineering has shattered more lives, time and careers than any other field.
I agree with the author that one should do what they want to do in their life rather than trying to please their parents by accepting their dreams as his own.
The moment you stop thinking about other's expectations, you start to live.
It impressed me how Prabhu has also supported those who have their heart and soul in engineering.
Tips for parents, teachers and aspiring engineers were the highlights in it.
His narration is convincing, brutally honest and urges to do anything, but make sure it produces joy!
Engineers will appreciate this even more.
Verdict : In this genre, I think it was a brilliant work.
June 17, 2019
Publisher- Notion Press
Length- 172 pages
My views-
Though I am not from the field, but i still can relate to the author in terms of pressure, children face from the society and their parents while taking up engineering as a profession.
The book is inspirational, insightful and an eye-opener.
It takes you through the journey to the profession of engineering, tells you the pros and cons and the expectation people have.
Authot has researched the book well, the narration is quite nice. The facts unfold quite smoothly. I would really like to point out one thing, which really matterd to me is the font. I loved it, it was just eye soothing.
Length- 172 pages
My views-
Though I am not from the field, but i still can relate to the author in terms of pressure, children face from the society and their parents while taking up engineering as a profession.
The book is inspirational, insightful and an eye-opener.
It takes you through the journey to the profession of engineering, tells you the pros and cons and the expectation people have.
Authot has researched the book well, the narration is quite nice. The facts unfold quite smoothly. I would really like to point out one thing, which really matterd to me is the font. I loved it, it was just eye soothing.
January 19, 2015
Book Review India Verdict: ✪✪✪✰✰
Review: " The first time I read the title of the book – Wasted in Engineering Story of India's Youth, I thought it was another Engineering college story involving the usual ingredients - romance, friendship and campus life. But as I began reading the book I was pleasantly surprised."
The book speaks about students who take up engineering without having any interest in it and parents who compel them to do so. The author himself studied electrical engineering with little interest in engineering. He was more drawn towards languages and humanities. He was interested in the societal problems. He never pursued a career in engineering. He ran a news analysis website few years earlier while working for a technology consulting firm. Presently he works for a national auditing organization in a financial position.
The message which the author wants to convey is that you should study the subject which you like. So though the writer chooses to call the book a guide book for frustrated engineering students, the book has universal appeal. In the author's own words this book is not about any success story. It reflects his failure as an engineering graduate; failures from which the readers can hopefully learn. According to him the intention of the book is to tell that in many cases studying engineering is a total waste of time, energy and resources.
The writing is simple. The writing is credible as it is coming from the very mouth of the horse. The premise of the book is that students learn engineering to earn money. The writer narrates many examples to show how this premise is wrong. So you will be shocked to learn that watchmen and gatekeepers in an IT company draw the same salary as engineers working in that company and even many IGNOU graduates earn more than engineers. Not only the gatekeepers and watchmen, the writer says even beggars earn more than engineers. Engineering by itself does not guarantee you a well paying job. Rather even with an engineering degree and an MBA appended to it, finding a job is still difficult. Many BPO's spurt out in their advertisement that engineers need not apply. It is only the graduates from the top ten colleges take home those eye balls grabbing pay packages.
When it comes to application of the knowledge gained in an engineering college the author candidly narrates how he was unable to assemble an electric motor at his grandfather's place and an electrician had to be called upon to do the same. He says that many electricians know more than an electrical engineer and many mechanics know more than a mechanical engineer.
While discussing pros and cons of engineering course the authors discusses internal marking system, the IIT trap, IIM course and also the most fundamental question whether to take up commerce or science stream. The book is divided in to small chapters devoted to each of these sub-topics. The author also expresses his opinions about dress code for women, separate sitting arrangement in libraries and canteens for girl students in engineering colleges. Now this stands true for non-engineering colleges as well, particularly those in Tier II and III cities. The author is unhappy that students have to write their answers in a given limited space for writing answers. According to him engineering students are not kindergarten students and limited space crushes their originality. But can't original answers be written in the given space? The writer seems to be oblivious to the fact that most Indian students carry the impression that the more they write the more marks they will fetch. Limited space makes the students answer precise and to the point. The author stretches it too far when he says that children dump their parents into old age homes because they had forced them to join engineering college without their consent. There are no facts and figures to support this bare statement. He refers to it as parental karma. It would have been better if the writer had refrained from making such bold, unsubstantiated statements. He also raises his voice against the way the private institutes raise money through fees and don't account for the same.
The writer says “Doing what makes one happy is never considered a failure” and “While optimism and a positive outlook towards life is important, don't let them blind your eyes,” in the same breath. I feel that he contradicts his own statements. In my opinion on page 144 the word “incase” is wrongly spelt. It should have been “in case”.
Then too the book is a delightful read for the lines like “ You don't have to quit your job, but don't quit your dreams either,” “It is better to fail at doing what we like than win at doing what we don't like” and “ Study what you love and not what gives you money. Study a degree that increases your happiness not the one that increases your bank balance.”
You don't require a rocket scientist to tell you that you should pursue your career in the field which you really like. But it is better said than done. Number of students succumb to parental pressures and lose the joy of their lives; many lose their lives as well. So the message which the book wants to convey should reach each and every student and parent. That will lead to happier society and efficient work force. That is the reason why I welcome this maiden attempt of the author.
Review: " The first time I read the title of the book – Wasted in Engineering Story of India's Youth, I thought it was another Engineering college story involving the usual ingredients - romance, friendship and campus life. But as I began reading the book I was pleasantly surprised."
The book speaks about students who take up engineering without having any interest in it and parents who compel them to do so. The author himself studied electrical engineering with little interest in engineering. He was more drawn towards languages and humanities. He was interested in the societal problems. He never pursued a career in engineering. He ran a news analysis website few years earlier while working for a technology consulting firm. Presently he works for a national auditing organization in a financial position.
The message which the author wants to convey is that you should study the subject which you like. So though the writer chooses to call the book a guide book for frustrated engineering students, the book has universal appeal. In the author's own words this book is not about any success story. It reflects his failure as an engineering graduate; failures from which the readers can hopefully learn. According to him the intention of the book is to tell that in many cases studying engineering is a total waste of time, energy and resources.
The writing is simple. The writing is credible as it is coming from the very mouth of the horse. The premise of the book is that students learn engineering to earn money. The writer narrates many examples to show how this premise is wrong. So you will be shocked to learn that watchmen and gatekeepers in an IT company draw the same salary as engineers working in that company and even many IGNOU graduates earn more than engineers. Not only the gatekeepers and watchmen, the writer says even beggars earn more than engineers. Engineering by itself does not guarantee you a well paying job. Rather even with an engineering degree and an MBA appended to it, finding a job is still difficult. Many BPO's spurt out in their advertisement that engineers need not apply. It is only the graduates from the top ten colleges take home those eye balls grabbing pay packages.
When it comes to application of the knowledge gained in an engineering college the author candidly narrates how he was unable to assemble an electric motor at his grandfather's place and an electrician had to be called upon to do the same. He says that many electricians know more than an electrical engineer and many mechanics know more than a mechanical engineer.
While discussing pros and cons of engineering course the authors discusses internal marking system, the IIT trap, IIM course and also the most fundamental question whether to take up commerce or science stream. The book is divided in to small chapters devoted to each of these sub-topics. The author also expresses his opinions about dress code for women, separate sitting arrangement in libraries and canteens for girl students in engineering colleges. Now this stands true for non-engineering colleges as well, particularly those in Tier II and III cities. The author is unhappy that students have to write their answers in a given limited space for writing answers. According to him engineering students are not kindergarten students and limited space crushes their originality. But can't original answers be written in the given space? The writer seems to be oblivious to the fact that most Indian students carry the impression that the more they write the more marks they will fetch. Limited space makes the students answer precise and to the point. The author stretches it too far when he says that children dump their parents into old age homes because they had forced them to join engineering college without their consent. There are no facts and figures to support this bare statement. He refers to it as parental karma. It would have been better if the writer had refrained from making such bold, unsubstantiated statements. He also raises his voice against the way the private institutes raise money through fees and don't account for the same.
The writer says “Doing what makes one happy is never considered a failure” and “While optimism and a positive outlook towards life is important, don't let them blind your eyes,” in the same breath. I feel that he contradicts his own statements. In my opinion on page 144 the word “incase” is wrongly spelt. It should have been “in case”.
Then too the book is a delightful read for the lines like “ You don't have to quit your job, but don't quit your dreams either,” “It is better to fail at doing what we like than win at doing what we don't like” and “ Study what you love and not what gives you money. Study a degree that increases your happiness not the one that increases your bank balance.”
You don't require a rocket scientist to tell you that you should pursue your career in the field which you really like. But it is better said than done. Number of students succumb to parental pressures and lose the joy of their lives; many lose their lives as well. So the message which the book wants to convey should reach each and every student and parent. That will lead to happier society and efficient work force. That is the reason why I welcome this maiden attempt of the author.
May 1, 2016
Before starting the book, I thought this would be a book having just the laments of a commoner in the system. But the way it has been written and filled with clarity is so good that I feel like recommending it to all my friends. Very precise contents. Maybe it was a little biased towards changing paths after engineering, but did not seem out of place.
'A snapshot of an Indian engineer's mind - All thoughts at one place'
'A snapshot of an Indian engineer's mind - All thoughts at one place'
February 8, 2015
This book is a guide that would let people know the actual scenario of engineering in India. And it is something really needed. School going students who are making up their mind about the career they want to pursue and parents who are thinking of engineering as the 'right profession' for their kid must read the book once.
August 12, 2015
Prabhu Swaminathan's book stands out for two things. firstly, he didn't try to sugar coat his words even once . Most people especially engineers are hesitant to give their honest opinion about engineering. Prabhu on the other hand was to the point, blunt and straightforward. That quality in his book appealed to me.
secondly, he balanced his opinions well. Even though he laid out the hard facts about engineering, he also motivated others to pick up something of their own liking. By quoting examples of famous sportspersons and actors, he made sure that he also makes an effort to motivate the readers into making a sound judgment.
in all its a book I liked reading,, mainly. because I could relate to each and everything . I'd recommend this book to all those students who are forcing themselves to study engineering and also to non engineers who'd like to read an honest to god account of the happenings in an engineering college.
secondly, he balanced his opinions well. Even though he laid out the hard facts about engineering, he also motivated others to pick up something of their own liking. By quoting examples of famous sportspersons and actors, he made sure that he also makes an effort to motivate the readers into making a sound judgment.
in all its a book I liked reading,, mainly. because I could relate to each and everything . I'd recommend this book to all those students who are forcing themselves to study engineering and also to non engineers who'd like to read an honest to god account of the happenings in an engineering college.
November 6, 2016
If einstien was born in india he would be made an engineer .. this book starts with this statement which clearly shows the pathetic situation of education in india , everything said in this book is true and ideas of this book must be taken into serious discussion cause lakhs are wasting there life in engineering not knowing why they are doing it.
This book gave me the greatest inspiration by making me realise that I'm not the only wasted engineer and I can still do great things in life .
This book gave me the greatest inspiration by making me realise that I'm not the only wasted engineer and I can still do great things in life .
October 13, 2016
This was my first non fiction book and it was amazing. The things written in this book are so true and as being an engineer I can relate to it. The author has done such a great job in putting forward the reality and at the same time explaining what has gone wrong in the whole process.
Every household in our country should have this book. A must read.
Every household in our country should have this book. A must read.
March 28, 2015
An eye-opener! Must read! (3.5/5)
Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-4K
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Full review- http://wp.me/p2vbKI-4K
Please rate the blog post by marking the stars :)
June 1, 2016
The story of every Indian and as it happens, mine too. Born, raised and wasted as an Indian Engineer.
Engineers could easily relate their lives to this story. Worth it!
Engineers could easily relate their lives to this story. Worth it!
April 6, 2020
Content - 'If tou study Engineering,you will have a good future'. Thisis an advice almost every Indian teenager has to hear from their parents or teachers or relatives. But when that teenager takes up Engineering inspite of having interest in that field or not, he/she finds themselves in deep trouble. There is a vast difference between calling yourself an Engineer anf being an Engineering Graduate.The author has written vabout those problems the students faced and how we can have a solution of not being a land of Wasted Engineers.
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My Views - This book is definitely an eye-opener. This is not that kind of book which only claims to be on Engineering and the Student. It depicts real problems the students faced and the genuine solutions that can be implemented. It shows the problems amd difficulties a student goes through when it comes to choose their streams in Class 11 and the courses in college. Every Indian parent somehow forces their children to take up either Medical or Engineering even if they have no interest or lack confidence in that genre. The author beautifully points out the problems the students have to go through because of this pressure and how this can seriously hamper their future and overall career. The author also talks about our education system and its flaws amd has given us some good points and solutions a student can apply, some advices the parents can take and few changes the education system can implement too.
.
The book has some good examples of real life people to get inspiration from and lucid writing and language is an added attribute.
.
A definite read for all kind of students, parents and teachers.
📖
📖
My Views - This book is definitely an eye-opener. This is not that kind of book which only claims to be on Engineering and the Student. It depicts real problems the students faced and the genuine solutions that can be implemented. It shows the problems amd difficulties a student goes through when it comes to choose their streams in Class 11 and the courses in college. Every Indian parent somehow forces their children to take up either Medical or Engineering even if they have no interest or lack confidence in that genre. The author beautifully points out the problems the students have to go through because of this pressure and how this can seriously hamper their future and overall career. The author also talks about our education system and its flaws amd has given us some good points and solutions a student can apply, some advices the parents can take and few changes the education system can implement too.
.
The book has some good examples of real life people to get inspiration from and lucid writing and language is an added attribute.
.
A definite read for all kind of students, parents and teachers.
May 18, 2016
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" This is a question almost all of us have faced as kids. I remember myself giving amusing answers to this question. A child's mind is full of imagination and, he sees the world as a magical place. But, the same question demands a concrete answer with the passage of time, a child begins to grow up with the world slowly unwrapping its magical veil.
The conundrum starts as the parents want to reflect their unfulfilled dreams, unattainable ambitions through the child. A happy child slowly becomes a victim; of the society and the education system of this country.
Prabhu Swaminathan, in his debut publication, "Wasted in Engineering: Story of India's Youth" has raised his voice on behalf of millions of Indian children for whom education is no more a way to be enlightened, a path to acquire knowledge, a joyous learning process, but, a merely mechanical way of life.
Prabhu has rightly pointed out in the Introduction of the book, that, in our country children seldom have the opportunity to study the subjects they love. Rather, they study what their parents want and, eventually the parents vote for engineering! True enough, in India, most of the families prefer their kids to be branded as engineers. The author says,
"An engineering degree is seen as a financial and social investment."
In the next 15 chapters of the book, Prabhu has done a wonderful analysis of the education system and, how a student unknowingly becomes a victim.
Beginning from the school level, he says, the focus is to produce engineers and doctors. Nobody pays a heed if a student wants otherwise. If a meritorious student expresses her/his desire to become a journalist or a fashion designer, often they are despised over their decision. Many times, students are forced to opt for the science stream even when they have no interest in the concerned subjects. Then they are further pushed to go for a B.E. degree and becomes one of the millions of unhappy engineers who wanted to be something else.
The social structure and the mindset of parents are responsible. Prabhu goes further by citing the examples of sports quota in engineering colleges. Very aptly he has raised the question that is it not the responsibility of the parents as well as the government to encourage a successful player so that he can continue the sport he excels in? It's not a fruitful idea to admit him to an engineering course. The same seat can be allotted to a student who genuinely wants to study engineering but has financial hindrance. Alternatively, the sports quota student can be given a scholarship for a degree in Bachelors of Physical Education in some reputed college.
There are several simple and absolutely feasible solutions to many such problems in the book.
The choice of colleges, the vicious circle of coaching centers-teachers-admission to colleges, women study issues, and even the scams of extorting capitation fees- the author has explored all the topics, logically and analytically. I particularly liked the way he has criticised the role of the private engineering colleges as moral guardians.Most of the students are sagacious enough to understand and respect the reputation of an educational institution. Discipline is necessary but, often the colleges set rules that are controversial.
The crux of the book is one should not blindly follow the crowd. Students often succumb to the societal and parental pressure, but even then they should try to follow their passion. The author being an electrical engineer himself, never actually enjoyed the course, the method of learning and wanted to be something else in his life. His words and advice can be a good lesson to other students who are in the same dilemma.
Prabhu wants everyone to think more than once before taking the decision when it comes to career. And, we all know, it's always wise to follow your passion for making it a profession. Don't just join the apocryphal engineering course for being under pressure.
The book has thrown light on the actual scenario of engineering education in India. A must read for all parents and budding engineers.
Find more reviews on https://maniparna.com/
The conundrum starts as the parents want to reflect their unfulfilled dreams, unattainable ambitions through the child. A happy child slowly becomes a victim; of the society and the education system of this country.
Prabhu Swaminathan, in his debut publication, "Wasted in Engineering: Story of India's Youth" has raised his voice on behalf of millions of Indian children for whom education is no more a way to be enlightened, a path to acquire knowledge, a joyous learning process, but, a merely mechanical way of life.
Prabhu has rightly pointed out in the Introduction of the book, that, in our country children seldom have the opportunity to study the subjects they love. Rather, they study what their parents want and, eventually the parents vote for engineering! True enough, in India, most of the families prefer their kids to be branded as engineers. The author says,
"An engineering degree is seen as a financial and social investment."
In the next 15 chapters of the book, Prabhu has done a wonderful analysis of the education system and, how a student unknowingly becomes a victim.
Beginning from the school level, he says, the focus is to produce engineers and doctors. Nobody pays a heed if a student wants otherwise. If a meritorious student expresses her/his desire to become a journalist or a fashion designer, often they are despised over their decision. Many times, students are forced to opt for the science stream even when they have no interest in the concerned subjects. Then they are further pushed to go for a B.E. degree and becomes one of the millions of unhappy engineers who wanted to be something else.
The social structure and the mindset of parents are responsible. Prabhu goes further by citing the examples of sports quota in engineering colleges. Very aptly he has raised the question that is it not the responsibility of the parents as well as the government to encourage a successful player so that he can continue the sport he excels in? It's not a fruitful idea to admit him to an engineering course. The same seat can be allotted to a student who genuinely wants to study engineering but has financial hindrance. Alternatively, the sports quota student can be given a scholarship for a degree in Bachelors of Physical Education in some reputed college.
There are several simple and absolutely feasible solutions to many such problems in the book.
The choice of colleges, the vicious circle of coaching centers-teachers-admission to colleges, women study issues, and even the scams of extorting capitation fees- the author has explored all the topics, logically and analytically. I particularly liked the way he has criticised the role of the private engineering colleges as moral guardians.Most of the students are sagacious enough to understand and respect the reputation of an educational institution. Discipline is necessary but, often the colleges set rules that are controversial.
The crux of the book is one should not blindly follow the crowd. Students often succumb to the societal and parental pressure, but even then they should try to follow their passion. The author being an electrical engineer himself, never actually enjoyed the course, the method of learning and wanted to be something else in his life. His words and advice can be a good lesson to other students who are in the same dilemma.
Prabhu wants everyone to think more than once before taking the decision when it comes to career. And, we all know, it's always wise to follow your passion for making it a profession. Don't just join the apocryphal engineering course for being under pressure.
The book has thrown light on the actual scenario of engineering education in India. A must read for all parents and budding engineers.
Find more reviews on https://maniparna.com/
June 28, 2016
The book made all the more sense to me, due to the recent Board exam results and many instances of Kota suicides. No matter how much relevance career counselling and child psychology is given, for majority of Indian parents, their child's career is a way to fulfilment of their own ambitions. Prabhu's book gives the perspective of a child who has been mercilessly burdened under his parents' ambitions. I loved book for its raw honesty. One gets a flavour of rebellion from the first page itself, where the author thanks his parents, teachers and relatives for messing up his life by making him study engineering. Nostalgia surrounds us as we set out to witness the arduous journey of the child who couldn't say No to his parents' pushy demands. The book is a must read for all engineering aspirants, for it gives a sneak peak into the hype behind the BE degree - the flaws in college rules, coping up with engineering syllabus etc. But if you are thinking its just a prospectus about general life at engineering colleges, you are gravely mistaken. For, the second half is all about remedial actions - What to do if you are already stuck with a course that isn't of your choice? How to cope up and still chase your dreams without denting your parents' aspirations? There is problem, symptoms and remedy too! Read the complete review on my blog
https://shaivikafunda.blogspot.in/201...
https://shaivikafunda.blogspot.in/201...
August 30, 2019
ARC in exchange for a honest review
Firstly, it's heartbreaking for me to give a completly negative review because every book was written with a passion and tons of effort.
Secondly, my reviews, negative or positive, are wholly based upon what the book has made me feel.
Thirdly, I'm entitled to my own opinion and yes, I can freely voice out the same.
Unfortunately this book wasn't my cup of tea. I felt it was a huge rant for having the privilege of being educated.
To me, or any one for the matter of fact, being educated itself is a greatest gift. "'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
__
Nelson Mandela
This is one of my favorite quotes and it resonates beyond depths. So, I feel, education in any form is an irreplaceable gift a person holds and hence this book describing why a form of education is a waste, didn't appeal to me as a reader.
Yet again, neither did the content nor did the writing style give me literary pleasure.
This is not the book that grabbed me and kept me hooked. I don’t think I’d recommend this book, though if you like, you might want to give it a try.
PS: Life is short, I’d rather spend my time urging people to read things I love.
Firstly, it's heartbreaking for me to give a completly negative review because every book was written with a passion and tons of effort.
Secondly, my reviews, negative or positive, are wholly based upon what the book has made me feel.
Thirdly, I'm entitled to my own opinion and yes, I can freely voice out the same.
Unfortunately this book wasn't my cup of tea. I felt it was a huge rant for having the privilege of being educated.
To me, or any one for the matter of fact, being educated itself is a greatest gift. "'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
__
Nelson Mandela
This is one of my favorite quotes and it resonates beyond depths. So, I feel, education in any form is an irreplaceable gift a person holds and hence this book describing why a form of education is a waste, didn't appeal to me as a reader.
Yet again, neither did the content nor did the writing style give me literary pleasure.
This is not the book that grabbed me and kept me hooked. I don’t think I’d recommend this book, though if you like, you might want to give it a try.
PS: Life is short, I’d rather spend my time urging people to read things I love.
November 6, 2016
This book wasted in engineering by Prabhu Swaminathan is one of the funny, entertaining and interesting book that I've ever read. It is all about the story of india's youth. And how this engineering field became dull in india.I am an engineer. So i can relate all the things that he mentioned clearly. He conveys each and every things in a funny way. In this book, he is telling the story that happenes or happened in south india. And if you started reading this book, then you'll be addicted to it. What happens in india? And what is happening inside engineering colleges? And how students are joining for engineering? We'll get the answers of all these questions from this book. Like someone said, an engineer can become anything except an engineer. He is showing many great facts,true examples and how this spoiled the lives of people. It is very much realistic and the message is go with your passion and interests. The language used in this book is short 'n' sweet. Thus an average reader can read and understand this book very easily.
October 1, 2016
A reality check if I may say. Great experiences from the vocation and academic point of view. A must read for all engineering aspirants. Join the cut-throat competition only if the subject, and not the job prospect, fascinates you. A very good insight into the social system in India as far as education and middle class mentality is concerned.
A deja vu of thoughts for the engineering graduates of their undergrad years.
Kudos to the author for discussing this harsh reality threadbare for the masses.
A deja vu of thoughts for the engineering graduates of their undergrad years.
Kudos to the author for discussing this harsh reality threadbare for the masses.
December 31, 2015
Must read for every individual forced to do Engineering or currently studying Engineering or who have completed Engineering and stuck with jobs that doesn't resonate with their passion.
This book is not a fiction. Has good analysis of what's wrong with Engineering education system and society and also shares some practical tips to come out of the mess. Do read.
This book is not a fiction. Has good analysis of what's wrong with Engineering education system and society and also shares some practical tips to come out of the mess. Do read.
May 19, 2016
A great concept!
Somehow feels immature... rather premature for the author to give very strong suggestions and opinions.
But still, feels good that he is making an attempt on saying what he has to say!
Good Job!
Somehow feels immature... rather premature for the author to give very strong suggestions and opinions.
But still, feels good that he is making an attempt on saying what he has to say!
Good Job!
May 10, 2016
This book made me to think about the reforms that is to be made to our indian education system .
September 10, 2019
Wasted in Engineering felt like a regular Indian engineer’s cascade of thoughts, right from the moment they enter an institution to when they leave their campuses with job offers in their hands. Whether you get to choose your field of study yourself or not, there are certain things which you are bound to notice. I could relate to a lot of stuff which he had mentioned in this text, specially about the outdated syllabus and how certain practical subjects are taught in semesters following the semesters where the theory is taught.
Most of the time, colleges fail to keep the students interested in their field of choice, something I can vouch for, personally. Some of them are outright weird when it comes to moral policing. I am thankful of my college for never being this intrusive amongst the students’ privacy. This book made me realize how awesome my college was and how I had taken everything for granted. People seem to be having it really bad out there. This book has made me feel super grateful to my college for giving me the platform to improve, not just academically, but also helped with my soft-skills.
When it comes to projects, I have a first-hand experience, on how students opt for the easy way out, but again, there are some beacons of light who work their assess off, day and night, to come up with their own ideas and then implement it and make it work. So, what Prabhu mentioned is truly in the case of only 90% of the people.
REVIEW:
1) The typeface is comfortable and the quality of the book is satisfactory.
2) This text is in a serious need of good proof-reading and editing.
3) I felt that this was more of a collection of thoughts simply stitched up together sprinkled with a few examples here and there. I think the text could’ve been brought together, better.
4) It was definitely a quick read, but brings about lots of questions in mind.
5) Prabhu discussed paths which can be taken once done with engineering and how one can pursue with higher education (if they want one). But what I believe is, there is no right path to success. Maybe someone will regret doing their masters in CSE or ECE, but as long as the decision is being made by an adult consciously, they are accountable to their decisions. Mistakes maketh man, amiright?
6) Somewhere in my heart, the title of the book pinches me. Maybe I might not use my technical skills in real life or in my professional life, but no education is a waste of time, right? Whatever you study, you learn something out of it. Be it how impractical or out-dated. The experience that a college is able to provide, is priceless. One grows up to be a better human being in such environment. It is quite nourishing and no matter how much we curse our colleges; this basic degree helps us start our careers. Yes, one might have chosen an unwanted field, but there is no point repenting. Just my point of view.
7) In certain places I found the sentences to be repetitive.
8) The points made on career counselling is quite good. We really need to get our teenagers counselled regarding their careers. It is that stage where kids cannot even decide which model and make they would prefer for a phone, and here they are deciding their careers. They need help and there is no shame in admitting it.
This is a good book for teenagers who are going to join a college, or those who are pursuing their engineering degrees.
Most of the time, colleges fail to keep the students interested in their field of choice, something I can vouch for, personally. Some of them are outright weird when it comes to moral policing. I am thankful of my college for never being this intrusive amongst the students’ privacy. This book made me realize how awesome my college was and how I had taken everything for granted. People seem to be having it really bad out there. This book has made me feel super grateful to my college for giving me the platform to improve, not just academically, but also helped with my soft-skills.
When it comes to projects, I have a first-hand experience, on how students opt for the easy way out, but again, there are some beacons of light who work their assess off, day and night, to come up with their own ideas and then implement it and make it work. So, what Prabhu mentioned is truly in the case of only 90% of the people.
REVIEW:
1) The typeface is comfortable and the quality of the book is satisfactory.
2) This text is in a serious need of good proof-reading and editing.
3) I felt that this was more of a collection of thoughts simply stitched up together sprinkled with a few examples here and there. I think the text could’ve been brought together, better.
4) It was definitely a quick read, but brings about lots of questions in mind.
5) Prabhu discussed paths which can be taken once done with engineering and how one can pursue with higher education (if they want one). But what I believe is, there is no right path to success. Maybe someone will regret doing their masters in CSE or ECE, but as long as the decision is being made by an adult consciously, they are accountable to their decisions. Mistakes maketh man, amiright?
6) Somewhere in my heart, the title of the book pinches me. Maybe I might not use my technical skills in real life or in my professional life, but no education is a waste of time, right? Whatever you study, you learn something out of it. Be it how impractical or out-dated. The experience that a college is able to provide, is priceless. One grows up to be a better human being in such environment. It is quite nourishing and no matter how much we curse our colleges; this basic degree helps us start our careers. Yes, one might have chosen an unwanted field, but there is no point repenting. Just my point of view.
7) In certain places I found the sentences to be repetitive.
8) The points made on career counselling is quite good. We really need to get our teenagers counselled regarding their careers. It is that stage where kids cannot even decide which model and make they would prefer for a phone, and here they are deciding their careers. They need help and there is no shame in admitting it.
This is a good book for teenagers who are going to join a college, or those who are pursuing their engineering degrees.
June 20, 2019
"Engineering the most prestigious course which can built the foundation of a student's life and will make it happy and prosperous." The most common statement which we often hear in our society. I am not saying I am completely disagreeing with this statement but I am not agreeing with this either.
Being a Medical student myself, I know how much the students belonging to science stream suffer due to work load + societeal stress + peer pressure. It's just like a huge bin full of stuff is dumped on us all together.
And this is what this book exactly talks about. This book is a guide.. No, I won't say it a guide but it is the author's experience written in a form of book in which he is discussing every single aspect of this engineering industry. How India is producing a bulk load of engineers stating 100% placements but 70-80% of them are now engaged in either non-engineering fields which was once their dream and suppressed because of the society, or they are sitting at home doing nothing.
Main thing which author keeps on mentioning is "follow your dream" and I second that statement. Following your dream, doing whatever you want and getting successful in that specific field is what every student's dream is but there is a very little percentage of the student's who actually want to do engineering and then taking admission in it. Most of the students wanted to do something else but forcefully they get admitted into engineering.
This book is actually a mirror for this engineering industry who's marketing department is our society including our parents.
This is a very easy, lucid and a pretty fast paced book which one can easily read and can finish in a single sitting. Every aspect of the book is discussion worthy and the points authors mentioned are absolutely correct. This book is an excellent medium to let people know the consequences of engineering and how it is costing students, their time and parents, their money.
Only one thing which I think is that, author didn't focused on the word "Preference". Although it is mentioned in the book at some places but I think that is one important point which gets neglected somehow.
Engineering can be a priority/preference of a student and later he can excel in that specific branch.
But in a way or another I felt that this book make people ignore the point of engineering as a priority and just makes them focus on do whatever you want but not engineering.
Overall this book is an eye opener for the students, parents, teachers and the complete society. A must read book which I'll definitely recommend to everyone I encounter who is in a state of indecisiveness. It will definitely broadens the perspective towards engineering and will make a person less ignorant about the cons of it.
Being a Medical student myself, I know how much the students belonging to science stream suffer due to work load + societeal stress + peer pressure. It's just like a huge bin full of stuff is dumped on us all together.
And this is what this book exactly talks about. This book is a guide.. No, I won't say it a guide but it is the author's experience written in a form of book in which he is discussing every single aspect of this engineering industry. How India is producing a bulk load of engineers stating 100% placements but 70-80% of them are now engaged in either non-engineering fields which was once their dream and suppressed because of the society, or they are sitting at home doing nothing.
Main thing which author keeps on mentioning is "follow your dream" and I second that statement. Following your dream, doing whatever you want and getting successful in that specific field is what every student's dream is but there is a very little percentage of the student's who actually want to do engineering and then taking admission in it. Most of the students wanted to do something else but forcefully they get admitted into engineering.
This book is actually a mirror for this engineering industry who's marketing department is our society including our parents.
This is a very easy, lucid and a pretty fast paced book which one can easily read and can finish in a single sitting. Every aspect of the book is discussion worthy and the points authors mentioned are absolutely correct. This book is an excellent medium to let people know the consequences of engineering and how it is costing students, their time and parents, their money.
Only one thing which I think is that, author didn't focused on the word "Preference". Although it is mentioned in the book at some places but I think that is one important point which gets neglected somehow.
Engineering can be a priority/preference of a student and later he can excel in that specific branch.
But in a way or another I felt that this book make people ignore the point of engineering as a priority and just makes them focus on do whatever you want but not engineering.
Overall this book is an eye opener for the students, parents, teachers and the complete society. A must read book which I'll definitely recommend to everyone I encounter who is in a state of indecisiveness. It will definitely broadens the perspective towards engineering and will make a person less ignorant about the cons of it.
October 8, 2019
Hola bookworms! How about a book that deals with the reality faced by today’s Indian engineers?
👩
"Engineering padicha nala future - If you study engineering, you will have a good future! This is a general claim heard by many students including myself! This book is a must-read for 12th passed out students and will be an eye-opener to parents as well.
👩
The book narrates the modern Indian engineer’s cascade of day to day thoughts of being stuck up in the typical engineering saga of four years! It discusses the trend of hapless students getting into engineering courses that do not interest them, just for the sake of their parents’ wish. The book is divided into ample sections and the author also presents good examples of how to pursue non-engineering professions. He stresses on the fact that students need to come out of this rat-race and have the courage to convince their parents and choose a course or career that suits their interests. He also asks the parents and teachers to guide them in making healthy career choices. Sadly, there are more unemployed engineers compared to the employed ones, and the author points out that this is due to the fact that students don’t even realize what to do with an engineering degree. Finally, he provides real-life examples of people doing better in their chosen fields despite pursuing engineering.
👩
The author has hit the right note and has written this book out of his own experiences which enlightens us to be wary of wrong career choices. The icing on the cake is you can still pursue your interests and make up for the lost four years. The language of the book is quite simple and the typeface is extremely good. There are a few repetitive sentences that can be avoided in further editions!
👩
"Engineering padicha nala future - If you study engineering, you will have a good future! This is a general claim heard by many students including myself! This book is a must-read for 12th passed out students and will be an eye-opener to parents as well.
👩
The book narrates the modern Indian engineer’s cascade of day to day thoughts of being stuck up in the typical engineering saga of four years! It discusses the trend of hapless students getting into engineering courses that do not interest them, just for the sake of their parents’ wish. The book is divided into ample sections and the author also presents good examples of how to pursue non-engineering professions. He stresses on the fact that students need to come out of this rat-race and have the courage to convince their parents and choose a course or career that suits their interests. He also asks the parents and teachers to guide them in making healthy career choices. Sadly, there are more unemployed engineers compared to the employed ones, and the author points out that this is due to the fact that students don’t even realize what to do with an engineering degree. Finally, he provides real-life examples of people doing better in their chosen fields despite pursuing engineering.
👩
The author has hit the right note and has written this book out of his own experiences which enlightens us to be wary of wrong career choices. The icing on the cake is you can still pursue your interests and make up for the lost four years. The language of the book is quite simple and the typeface is extremely good. There are a few repetitive sentences that can be avoided in further editions!
August 21, 2019
This book is completely different from other books who claims to be based on Engineering college and its students . It presents a real mirror pir of our society and true picture of students who choose Engineering as a profession but spend their life regretting their decision. I have seen such people among my family and friends and I can totally relate with this book.
The author described through examples and situations that how people wasted their life. I really liked the way , author explains pros and cons of taking Engineering as a profession due to family or social pressure. It's true that a student is immature at the point ,when they joins Engineering but once they realise their true calling they must quit. I will highly recommend this book to all my friends and family who wants their child to become an engineer.
The last chapter where ,he gives few examples of people who wasted their engineering degree is well researched and I must say very impressive.
The language is lucid and I really liked the way author mentioned even menial details which influence people decision either for education or job.
A must read for all the youngsters.
The author described through examples and situations that how people wasted their life. I really liked the way , author explains pros and cons of taking Engineering as a profession due to family or social pressure. It's true that a student is immature at the point ,when they joins Engineering but once they realise their true calling they must quit. I will highly recommend this book to all my friends and family who wants their child to become an engineer.
The last chapter where ,he gives few examples of people who wasted their engineering degree is well researched and I must say very impressive.
The language is lucid and I really liked the way author mentioned even menial details which influence people decision either for education or job.
A must read for all the youngsters.
May 6, 2020
I am an Engineer by day and love what I do. And I can say that a lot of what I learned about Engineering is either from my job or my Masters from USC, despite having pursued Engineering in my undergraduate in India. ‘Wasted in Engineering’ is a bold and honest look at how Indian colleges abuse Engineering and Engineering students.
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🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
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The Author Prabhu Swaminathan is a “Wasted Engineer”, who works in the media field now. His book is an excellent account of everything wrong with Engineering in India. Engineering is now just another mandatory stage that most students need to complete, before they can find their “true calling”. It is a safety net that people are comfortable falling into, whether they are passionate about the subject or not. In the book, Prabhu repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taking the time to analyze your interest before you jump into engineering – lest you deprive more deserving and passionate students of the limited engineering college seats.
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This is a book for a current Engineer, an Engineering student, aspiring school kids and Parents too. The chapters take a very realistic approach and talk about how you can turn your life around, if you find yourself unhappy in Engineering too.
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The book has put into words a lot of thoughts I have had throughout my College days and the Author has done it in a sassy and yet humble way. An educating book that I recommend, because you need to start here if you want to think outside the box.
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Thank you Prabu for gifting me a copy of this book. All thoughts and content are my own.
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🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
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The Author Prabhu Swaminathan is a “Wasted Engineer”, who works in the media field now. His book is an excellent account of everything wrong with Engineering in India. Engineering is now just another mandatory stage that most students need to complete, before they can find their “true calling”. It is a safety net that people are comfortable falling into, whether they are passionate about the subject or not. In the book, Prabhu repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taking the time to analyze your interest before you jump into engineering – lest you deprive more deserving and passionate students of the limited engineering college seats.
.
This is a book for a current Engineer, an Engineering student, aspiring school kids and Parents too. The chapters take a very realistic approach and talk about how you can turn your life around, if you find yourself unhappy in Engineering too.
.
The book has put into words a lot of thoughts I have had throughout my College days and the Author has done it in a sassy and yet humble way. An educating book that I recommend, because you need to start here if you want to think outside the box.
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Thank you Prabu for gifting me a copy of this book. All thoughts and content are my own.
February 16, 2016
Wasted in Engineering by Prabhu Swaminathan is a very useful book for both parents and students. I came across it quite by accident but it has helped clarify some very important aspects of studying Engineering in India. My son plans to join an Engineering course in a couple of years from now and I would like him to read through this book to get a better perspective. This is written of course, especially for those who for some reason, find themselves stuck with a course they feel quite at odds with. But it is good material to browse for those who think they would like to study Engineering. It should help one get some clarity as to whether the choice is one you would like to stick with or not. In fact, I believe the book will not persuade anyone to NOT do the course if they are actually suited for it.
The book is a product of the writer’s own tryst with an Engineering education that was thrust on him. It is a first hand account, that is quite emotional. This is good by me. After all this is a decision that will affect your entire life. And no one is ever coldly calculating about the way they go about leading their life. There is plenty of humour in the approach, starting with the dedication to parents and teachers. It is neatly structured into various aspects of the issue at hand. Why people choose Engineering, what is the ground reality in Engineering colleges in India, how do the two genders fare in this patriarchal setup, what can you do if you have enrolled in the course and wish to quit, what if you cannot quit, Is the course worth it, …..and so on.
“When a chemical engineering student chooses a coding job at an IT company, it is considered normal but when an electronic engineer takes up cinematography it is considered abnormal and strange, even though the career deviation is the same in both cases”.
There are plenty of real life examples. It is a quick and easy read. Many of the suggestions I found to be very good ideas. For example, instead of giving sports enthusiasts quotas in Engineering Colleges, how about opening an Indian Institute of Sports? This is of course not very useful in real terms. The understanding of the actual environment the student will find herself in, is however, a very useful learning from the book. And in this respect, it is a most useful book.
The book is a product of the writer’s own tryst with an Engineering education that was thrust on him. It is a first hand account, that is quite emotional. This is good by me. After all this is a decision that will affect your entire life. And no one is ever coldly calculating about the way they go about leading their life. There is plenty of humour in the approach, starting with the dedication to parents and teachers. It is neatly structured into various aspects of the issue at hand. Why people choose Engineering, what is the ground reality in Engineering colleges in India, how do the two genders fare in this patriarchal setup, what can you do if you have enrolled in the course and wish to quit, what if you cannot quit, Is the course worth it, …..and so on.
“When a chemical engineering student chooses a coding job at an IT company, it is considered normal but when an electronic engineer takes up cinematography it is considered abnormal and strange, even though the career deviation is the same in both cases”.
There are plenty of real life examples. It is a quick and easy read. Many of the suggestions I found to be very good ideas. For example, instead of giving sports enthusiasts quotas in Engineering Colleges, how about opening an Indian Institute of Sports? This is of course not very useful in real terms. The understanding of the actual environment the student will find herself in, is however, a very useful learning from the book. And in this respect, it is a most useful book.
June 28, 2019
I always wanted to become an engineer but because of my hatred for science I opted for another career. But after seeing the life of an engineer, I feel happy that I chose Commerce :P . Also after reading this book I felt bad for engineers and their job timings.
The book is about engineers and how they cope up with their lives and the status of being an engineer. The book takes us on a journey of how a child starts walking on the path of self destruction i.e Engineering :P The author has described the phases of life specifically of an engineering student and have compared it with other non engineering students. Even after so much modernization in our country, people tend to have only two career options for their children: either doctor or engineer. This stereotype needs to be broken that engineering or doctorate is the only successful career option in one's life. The author has explained each and every thought an engineering student very well.
The book is divided into different phases of a student - each part depicting the constant journey of the child when it comes to choosing engineering as a career option. The book is an educational read which gives us an insight on the life of engineers and the difficulties they face throughout their journey. The author has given guidance and has given motivation and inspiration to readers which I really liked.
The book is a good read for children who prefer engineering or for those who are currently pursuing engineering. Since, I'm a commerce student I didn't enjoy reading it as I wasn't able to relate much. The language is easy and understandable.
The book is about engineers and how they cope up with their lives and the status of being an engineer. The book takes us on a journey of how a child starts walking on the path of self destruction i.e Engineering :P The author has described the phases of life specifically of an engineering student and have compared it with other non engineering students. Even after so much modernization in our country, people tend to have only two career options for their children: either doctor or engineer. This stereotype needs to be broken that engineering or doctorate is the only successful career option in one's life. The author has explained each and every thought an engineering student very well.
The book is divided into different phases of a student - each part depicting the constant journey of the child when it comes to choosing engineering as a career option. The book is an educational read which gives us an insight on the life of engineers and the difficulties they face throughout their journey. The author has given guidance and has given motivation and inspiration to readers which I really liked.
The book is a good read for children who prefer engineering or for those who are currently pursuing engineering. Since, I'm a commerce student I didn't enjoy reading it as I wasn't able to relate much. The language is easy and understandable.
December 23, 2016
Every engineer out there will relate to this book. This is an autobiography of typical engineer who has no clue whatsoever about what he is doing by pursuing the particular course. Neither he will have an idea of what he studied in the 4 years (without backlog) Nor in the nearby future. Engineers these days are often treated as ATM's for the family. There's no other value to that degree.
Much of the engineering population doesn't want to pursue engineering and yet they are forced to. Then there are those who pursue this because of the glam quotient attached to it. They will eventually realize their mistake once they fall into the trap.
The above sentiments are well penned by the author in this book. Ot the extent that this book can act as a guide to those who want to pursue engineering by side lining their interests. If you are looking to pursue engineering, Read this. If you are studying engineering, Read this. If you have just cleared engineering, Read this. The rest can just sulk reading this.
Much of the engineering population doesn't want to pursue engineering and yet they are forced to. Then there are those who pursue this because of the glam quotient attached to it. They will eventually realize their mistake once they fall into the trap.
The above sentiments are well penned by the author in this book. Ot the extent that this book can act as a guide to those who want to pursue engineering by side lining their interests. If you are looking to pursue engineering, Read this. If you are studying engineering, Read this. If you have just cleared engineering, Read this. The rest can just sulk reading this.
March 1, 2016
want to read
June 3, 2017
Did you see I just mentioned this book is also available in Kindle format but let me tell you even if you have it in your Kindle app you will not stop yourself buying a paperback version. Since the day I received this book and I started reading I couldn’t stop myself spreading a word about it. Wasted in Engineering is based on engineering myths we all have but book will be beneficially to a non- engineer also.
Wasted in Engineering by Prabhu Swaminathan is a true account of author himself, he explained 360◦ view of engineering starting from when a child is born to where an engineer end up after his studies. This book actually reminds me a poem which was in my school circular, over the years that poem remains my favorite, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. Just like it was mentioned in the poem that we can’t walk to two paths similarly the book justifies how we cannot choose between two career paths, one which we like other which our parents ask.
Book begins how school play major roles in choosing students for science and commerce stream, how parents give us only one option to opt and how discrimination happens in an engineering college right from the time of admission to the end of the semester. He explained briefly about special quotas offered along with reservation, he too focused on how we should separate what we see in movie about an engineering college to the real one.
He also explains myths which is very common and very reason to do engineering in India is six digits salary and author breaks that myths too. Next he talks about a real campus life, the professors, marking scheme based on how student behaves to them.
In the poem, at the end poets lament for not choosing the most travelled road but in book author gave us positive hopes and various illustrations how we can too choose the path which we like even after completing engineering degree. Book is a guide to school going students who still thinks key to luxury life is doing engineering , to parents who thinks what their neighbor say if they came to know that their son/daughter are non engineer, teachers who evaluate students on the basis of marks and neglect the scientific aptitude of any student, still who are doing engineering you guys still start working on your real dream rather than running into a rat race and above all those every youth who is an engineer or not give yourself some time and thin what you always wanted to do. I’ve figured out what I wants to do. What about you?
Coming back to book title which just amazing and catchy, book cover is very well designed. Narration of the book was literally amazing step by step everything was explained. Language was smooth and easy to comprehend.
Wait? Are you still asking me to recommend you personally. Damn! Just go and grab it.
I am so thrilled to rate it 4.5/5 stars. I’m still in it’s hangover. Yes, I’ m a non engineer and I know what I want to do. Thank you Prabhu Sir.
Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava
Wasted in Engineering by Prabhu Swaminathan is a true account of author himself, he explained 360◦ view of engineering starting from when a child is born to where an engineer end up after his studies. This book actually reminds me a poem which was in my school circular, over the years that poem remains my favorite, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. Just like it was mentioned in the poem that we can’t walk to two paths similarly the book justifies how we cannot choose between two career paths, one which we like other which our parents ask.
Book begins how school play major roles in choosing students for science and commerce stream, how parents give us only one option to opt and how discrimination happens in an engineering college right from the time of admission to the end of the semester. He explained briefly about special quotas offered along with reservation, he too focused on how we should separate what we see in movie about an engineering college to the real one.
He also explains myths which is very common and very reason to do engineering in India is six digits salary and author breaks that myths too. Next he talks about a real campus life, the professors, marking scheme based on how student behaves to them.
In the poem, at the end poets lament for not choosing the most travelled road but in book author gave us positive hopes and various illustrations how we can too choose the path which we like even after completing engineering degree. Book is a guide to school going students who still thinks key to luxury life is doing engineering , to parents who thinks what their neighbor say if they came to know that their son/daughter are non engineer, teachers who evaluate students on the basis of marks and neglect the scientific aptitude of any student, still who are doing engineering you guys still start working on your real dream rather than running into a rat race and above all those every youth who is an engineer or not give yourself some time and thin what you always wanted to do. I’ve figured out what I wants to do. What about you?
Coming back to book title which just amazing and catchy, book cover is very well designed. Narration of the book was literally amazing step by step everything was explained. Language was smooth and easy to comprehend.
Wait? Are you still asking me to recommend you personally. Damn! Just go and grab it.
I am so thrilled to rate it 4.5/5 stars. I’m still in it’s hangover. Yes, I’ m a non engineer and I know what I want to do. Thank you Prabhu Sir.
Reviewed by Aditi Srivastava
Read
July 25, 2020My Father was very different. Infact, he was the exact opposite of 99.99% of Indian parents. One day he saw me with a bunch of papers and asked me in Hindi, "Beta yeh kya le ke aye ho". (Son what is this that you have brought).
I responded, "Papa jee, yeh IIT ke Joint Entrance Exam ka form hai" (FATHER, these are the forms for the IIT Joint Entrance Exam).
My FATHER just freaked out and told me in Punjabi to go and throw the forms into the raddi (garbage).
In the same breath, he added a few insults to all the engineers, who in his view were just a bunch of idiots breaking hammers in the steel plant. In particular, he pointed out my MOTHER's brothers, who were all engineers and proudly told me, "You see me, I am from St. Stephen's College. I am a Manager. You have to be a manager too".
And that was the beginning and end of my IIT Joint Entrance Exam. I was bundled off to St. Stephen's College to study Economics, much to my dismay. But in my time, good boys listened to their FATHERS. Not argue with them.
So I followed in my FATHER's footsteps and spent three years of my youth in St. Stephen's College, 30 years after he had been there. The rest as they say is history.
‘Engineering padicha nalla future – If you study engineering, you will have a good future.’ This is a claim often repeated to children and teenagers by parents and teachers in many parts of India.
But only those who have gone through an engineering college life know that it’s not completely true.
There is a difference between calling yourself as an engineering graduate and an engineer.
India produces millions of engineering graduates like you and me but only very few of us are actual engineers.
Many of us just graduate with an engineering degree, with an artistic dream in mind.
What do you think is the difference between engineers in many countries around the world and engineers from India?
In other countries, if David Pascal studied electrical engineering in college, few years later you can find him working as an electrical engineer.
In India, if Ram Krishnamurthy studied electrical engineering, few years later you can find him working in a completely irrelevant field like software coding, banking, photography and even movie directing.
This book is not about the few engineering students in your class who love engineering. I don’t hate them. In fact, I am very jealous that they study what they love.
This book is about the majority of engineering graduates whose lives are wasted in engineering and is intended to tell you why you should make an attempt in pursuing your real passion, instead of being suffocated under the weight of an engineering degree.
This is a story of India’s Youth. Welcome to India, the land of Wasted Engineers.
https://www.amazon.in/Wasted-Engineer...
I responded, "Papa jee, yeh IIT ke Joint Entrance Exam ka form hai" (FATHER, these are the forms for the IIT Joint Entrance Exam).
My FATHER just freaked out and told me in Punjabi to go and throw the forms into the raddi (garbage).
In the same breath, he added a few insults to all the engineers, who in his view were just a bunch of idiots breaking hammers in the steel plant. In particular, he pointed out my MOTHER's brothers, who were all engineers and proudly told me, "You see me, I am from St. Stephen's College. I am a Manager. You have to be a manager too".
And that was the beginning and end of my IIT Joint Entrance Exam. I was bundled off to St. Stephen's College to study Economics, much to my dismay. But in my time, good boys listened to their FATHERS. Not argue with them.
So I followed in my FATHER's footsteps and spent three years of my youth in St. Stephen's College, 30 years after he had been there. The rest as they say is history.
‘Engineering padicha nalla future – If you study engineering, you will have a good future.’ This is a claim often repeated to children and teenagers by parents and teachers in many parts of India.
But only those who have gone through an engineering college life know that it’s not completely true.
There is a difference between calling yourself as an engineering graduate and an engineer.
India produces millions of engineering graduates like you and me but only very few of us are actual engineers.
Many of us just graduate with an engineering degree, with an artistic dream in mind.
What do you think is the difference between engineers in many countries around the world and engineers from India?
In other countries, if David Pascal studied electrical engineering in college, few years later you can find him working as an electrical engineer.
In India, if Ram Krishnamurthy studied electrical engineering, few years later you can find him working in a completely irrelevant field like software coding, banking, photography and even movie directing.
This book is not about the few engineering students in your class who love engineering. I don’t hate them. In fact, I am very jealous that they study what they love.
This book is about the majority of engineering graduates whose lives are wasted in engineering and is intended to tell you why you should make an attempt in pursuing your real passion, instead of being suffocated under the weight of an engineering degree.
This is a story of India’s Youth. Welcome to India, the land of Wasted Engineers.
https://www.amazon.in/Wasted-Engineer...
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