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Contents

1. What is Interview? ................................................................................. 3


2. What You Require.................................................................................. 5
3. How to Prepare for the Interview............................................................ 6
4. FAQs in the Interview............................................................................. 8
5. Model Answers .................................................................................... 11

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6. Follow Up the Interview ...................................................................... 12
7. How to Face GD .................................................................................. 15
8. Interview Material for Insurance Sector ................................................ 17
9. Mock-Interviews .................................................................................. 24

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What is Interview?
answers, but are inferred from the responses of the candidate
during the course of the interview.
Everybody at some time in his life, mostly on more than one
occasion, experiences what is known as being interviewed. Meaning
Though it may sound a simple question, our starting point The meaning of an interview is to bring out the experience,
must be: what is this event that we call an interview? How do skill and intelligence of the candidate including initiative.
we distinguish it from other interactions with people? Perhaps Good expression is natures gift. Technique of human
it can be better described as a set of circumstances which relationship stands behind the art of successful interview.
add up to what we call an interview. The circumstances that Most of the successes in life are won by men who possess,
can be summarised as an act of interview are: in addition to their knowledge, the ability to talk well with
1. Two or more people people, win them to their way of thinking, and sell themselves
2. Meeting in a formal or semi-formal situation and their ideas. The ability to speak is a shortcut to distinction.
3. A specific purpose for meeting which is known to all A man who can speak correctly, who can present himself
concerned well, is usually given credit out of all proportions to what he

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4. A structure is followed really possesses. This is one of the reasons why brilliant but
5. One or more persons take the controlling role poor boys do better than bright but rich boys. Far from being
(interviewer), the other taking the responsive role a handicap, lesser facilities in life, to a certain extent, is an
(interviewee) advantage.
6. Usually seated across a table The meaning of an interview is to bring out attitude rather
7. Usually pre-planned, preferably by both sides than facts. It is a key to find out the same through the
8. Awareness to both sides that an interview is taking place candidates expressions and inherent sentiments, his biases
The above describes what we expect of an interview. rather than his knowledge. The context and tenor of the
This is what distinguishes an interview from a conversation, interview brings out the man in him. An independent-minded
discussion or group meeting, even when the group consists person may not be the most suited to adjust to the demands
of only two people. of job responsibility. His independent handling and different

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approach may not find correlation with the working
Definition atmosphere of the organisation and its goal. No doubt, an
An interview may be defined as a meeting at which interviews meaning is to bring out a leader out of men. The
somebody applying for a job/position is asked questions leaders approach should be to build congruence between
in order to find out if he is suitable for it. It is a meeting in the problems faced by the members/organisation and its
order to assess whether a candidate possesses knowledge, charted path goal.
tact, drive, mental alertness and self-confidence. It
determines whether the candidate has a quality of critical Purpose
faculties of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance The purpose of an interview is to select the best man suited
of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social for the job and the organisation. An organisation may have
cohesion, leadership qualities, integrity and intellectual huge assets, efficient processes and systems, and extensive
ability. It is an additional test at which personal qualities, facilities. The proper and successful use of all these entirely
particularly behaviour, habits and to some extent character, lies in the hands of the employees of the organisation. They
which otherwise cannot be decided in the written have to possess the right skills, knowledge and attitude to
examination, are assessed. accomplish the necessary functions and tasks. So behind
Interview is a natural, directed and purposive the interview the purpose of the organisation is not to have
conversation intended to bring out the natural personality the most knowledgeable OR the most intelligent person, but
traits and mental qualities of an individual. It assesses the to have the right person for the job. That is why a candidate
intellectual curiosity, capacity for leadership, mental and who is immensely successful in giving written answers to
physical stamina, integrity of character, powers of practical questions, is not always the best person in doing his job.
application and similar other qualities of the individual. These The increasing trend of interviews substituting for an
personality traits are not ascertained by direct questions and examination points to this fact.
Importance Try and stay calm, dont let them rile you. If they talk over
you, stop and let them ask their next question. If you know it
A successful interview means a bright career. It can make or is a deliberate tactic, you can behave appropriately.
break a life. Years of toiling for a long-envisaged goal can be
wrecked in one hour of interview, if not handled properly. Telephone interviews
Interview is the oldest and the most needfully used Telephone interviews are increasingly used by companies as
device for selecting personnel at different levels. The employer an integral part of the recruitment process, often at the early
organisation has an opportunity to verify the facts and traits stage of selection. If you are offered a telephone interview,
claimed by the candidate. It helps the employer to seek the most important fact to remember is that the employer
additional information from the candidate, which in many wants to find out the same information as they would face-
cases brings out the suppressed important facts hidden by to-face, so your preparation needs to be just as thorough.
the interviewee to protect his personal interest. Further, there These interviews are usually carried out by someone in HR
is an opportunity for the interviewer to make the candidate person who may know very little about the position and
aware of the policies and objectives of the organisation and technical terms related to a specific job. Make sure to use
demands of the job for which he is being interviewed. clear vocabulary, and avoid buzzwords and jargon while
answering their questions, but be descriptive; you are trying
Types of Interview to paint a picture with words, since the interviewer has no
visual clues of you.
There are different kinds of interview though, and some jobs

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will require more than one, and there may be more than one Group interviews
interview, so its just as well to be prepared for this eventuality.
Several candidates are present and will be asked questions in
Face-to-face interviews turn. A group discussion may be encouraged and you may
be invited to put questions to the other candidates. Sometimes
This is the kind of interview we expect when invited to an
there will be role plays or group tasks, where you will actually
interview. It may be one-to-one between you and the
have to co-operate with people who want the same job as
interviewer, or you may sometimes find that there are two
you.Thisisparticularlycommonforjobsthatinvolveteam
interviewers, such as a functional specialist and a member of
working skills. Group interviews are designed to see how
the resourcing or HR team. Dont assume the interviewer has
you interact with other people so be courteous to your fellow
read your CV. Go through it with them, dont go into excessive
candidates.

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details, but do engage them in conversation.

Panel interviews Sequential interviews


Here you may face several interviews in turn, with a different
Panel interviews, where several people interview you at once
interviewer each time. Usually, each interviewer asks
are common for positions of importance, and it is particularly
questions to test different sets of skills. However, you may
popular in the public sector. Recognise the different roles
find yourself answering the same questions over and over. If
that may be adopted by each member of the panel. Usually
this does happen, make sure you answer each one as fully as
there will be a chairperson to coordinate the questions and it
the time before and be consistent.
is quite common for at least one panel member to adopt a
When you are invited to an interview it is perfectly okay
bad cop role - where their questions may seem abrupt,
to ask what form it will take, that way you will be more prepared
even rude. This is a deliberate tactic to see how you react.
for whatever they throw at you.
What You Require
Personality 11. Conscientiousness: It is the inclination to do more than
is actually required or given only to satisfy self-goals.
Personality refers to those traits of the individual or those 12. Hard work: It is the nature of a person not looking for an
aspects of his behaviour that have emotional, motivational, easy way out. His personality should reflect vigour and
or moral connotations such as stability, extro-vertness, stamina and good health.
perseverance and honesty. 13. Honesty and sincerity: A person should not be oriented
Some of the elements that would go into the assessment towards personal gain only. He should place loyalty to
of personality are: organisation on a high pedestal. He must have a clear
l Sharpness and alertness of mind; clarity and quality of conscience with total dedication.
thinking; sense of balance.
l Strength of character; integrity in its widest sense which Common sense
would include moral calibre.
l Ability to reason well; whether one can see and While most written tests seek to focus on inherent qualities
appreciate others point of view and then make up ones and the potential of the candidates in various areas of
mind; also, the soundness of ones judgement. intelligence, reasoning, etc, there is still an unexplored area

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l Patterns of behaviour; whether one has positive attitudes of a persons personality which plays an important role in
and sympathetic approach. performing various functions and shouldering various
l Ones social commitment, Commonsense, Qualities of responsibilities in the varied spheres of life.
leadership and General appearance and manner. 1. Be prepared for the slower ball.
There are different factors which rate an individuals 2. Dont lose your calm.
personality. Since they weigh high with the interviewers, a 3. Pay attention to even little things
candidate should make conscious efforts to develop them to 4. Dont falter in search of ideal answers
face the interviewer successfully:
1. Maturity: It is reflected in the responsible attitude of the Ideas and outlook
individual towards the society and his organisation. The correlation between how we feel within ourselves and

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2. Emotional stability: An individual must show emotional how we are looked upon by others close to us, can not be
balance and mental health in the face of trying denied. An inwardly peaceful and happy man is not likely to
circumstances. be irritating. The relationship between inward state of mind
3. Cooperation: A person should place the and outward behaviour provides a useful meaning of summing
accomplishments of the group ahead of his ambitions up of a candidates profile.
and not take undue credit. 1. Listening should thus be active participation
4. Tact: His remarks should not be blunt, but considerate 2. Everybody likes a compliment
towards less endowed segments. 3. Take interest in social functions
5. Adaptability: It shows a persons interest in a job 4. Do not pin your faith to chance, luck or recommendations.
involving mixing with people and facing diverse 5. Have a positive outlook towards life.
situations. To improve a general outlook in life here are some basic
6. Determination: The candidate should be tough-minded and primary qualities that need to be developed by each
and should stand for the right. candidate. Their benefits are immense and can metamorphose
7. Self-discipline: It may appear in the tendency of a person any individual:
to procrastinate unduly or to avoid civic responsibility. 1. Getting up Early
8. Initiative and drive: It means the ability of a person to 2. Habit of Punctuality
function on self-start without guidance or supervision. 3. Think Healthy
9. Persistence: It is the measure of the persons 4. Control your Mind
perseverance against odds. 5. Leisure Hours
10. Self-confidence: It is a reflection of realistic appraisal of 6. Utilise your Time
ones capabilities. A candidate should show belief in 7. Love your Work
himself and not be reluctant to take additional work for 8. Better and Better
fear of failure.
9. Brain Power General knowledge
10. Self-Suggestion
11. Believe in Yourself The interview board does not normally plan questions in
12. Association of Ideas advance. The questions flow from the bio-data form as the
13. Self-Psychology candidate enters the interview. It is therefore vital to fill the
14. Cultivate Concentration columns of bio-data carefully. Even simple statements like
the name of the post, name of the candidate, marital status,
Logical views address are clue to preliminary questions. There could be an
opening question on the historical or religious significance
Without logical reasoning and expression, the chances of of the candidates name/surname. An awareness of the socio-
success in an interview are rather dim. To put ones knowledge economic problems of that area could well be a topic of
to good use in a purposive manner, one must have fluent and question. It may be noticed that in the beginning the members
effective power of expression. No one will know the extent of of the board try to put the candidate at ease by asking
your knowledge and the depth of your ideas unless you are questions or making remarks about facts which are very
able to communicate and convey your thoughts with logical familiar to him. But reactions from the candidate present a
impact. very useful reflection on his attitudes, awareness etc.

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The candidate is advised to read the letter of interview
carefully and ensure that all the documents and certificates
that have been asked for are duly collected, photocopies
made and attested as prescribed by the recruiting
then one who has made good with family support. A person
who has struggled his way in life is given credit for
determination, self-reliance, patience and perseverance. The
interviewers think that such a person would not be affected
by adverse circumstances and would fight his way despite
organisation. You should bring certificates in support of the problems. So do not fight shy of telling the truth.

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various medals, prizes and distinctions achieved by you in There are certain things in the academic background
the fields of sports, games and other extra-curricular activities. which catch the interviewers attention, quite often leading
It is important that these are brought along to the interview to questions. In cases where a candidate has changed his
board since they act as evidence in support of the candidates studies from Arts to Science or to Commerce or from
achievement. Engineering to Humanities etc, the board tend to inquire into
Candidates who are working in an organisation are called the reasons for the same. There is nothing wrong in changing
upon to bring a No Objection Certificate from their employers. track midway. The purpose of the question is to find out
In case one is not able to obtain such a certificate he should whether the matter was given adequate thought and how the
accept it candidly. Suppression of facts is not desirable in candidate feels about it in retrospect. His analytical abilities
such circumstances. Similarly, certificate in support of reserved and maturity are judged from his answer. So think about it
category, ex-serviceman etc. should also be carried. In cases carefully and do not hesitate to tell the reasons frankly and
where supporting documents are not produced, the candidate truthfully. Where you feel you have made a mistake, do not
should think out in advance the reasons to be given if called hesitate to accept it. Similarly, where there are gaps of a year
upon to do so at the time of interview. due to failure or break in education, the candidates should
While you apply for different jobs and in different tell the real reasons.
organisations, try to be systematic in keeping records. In It is noteworthy that the board tries to find out why after
case your application was in response to a particular having passed Engineering or CA or MBA etc, the candidate
advertisement, go through the newspaper cuttings minutely. is opting for a career which does not belong to his
specialisation. Please note that many people do so and there
About Yourself is nothing wrong in doing so. The crux of the matter is that
A candidate is judged on the basis of his worth and merit. In the real reasons behind it should be cited instead of high-
fact, a candidate who has done well in academics as well as in sounding ideas like serving the country, society or patriotism
other areas despite constraint, is looked upon more kindly etc. It is recognised that most of us go for self-interest and
big glamour of high status of being an administrator or high
perks. These are important factors and replies/admissions l Your best subject/topics at school/college
based on these are considered rational and acceptable. Any l Extra-curricular activities at school/college
attempt to cover them up may be seen as such with a negative l Any part-time job/association you had after school/
fallout. college
The candidates may also be asked about their best l Any skills learned through this job/association
subject. Which requires a deeper insight into that subject. l Reason for opting the said job in question
The candidates may well be advised to refresh their l Kinds of job/work you are interested in
knowledge of the subject. In cases where the career chosen l Work which you find satisfying, easiest, difficult
is not in the direct line of his specialisation, questions are l How much is job security important to you
asked as to what would be the benefits of his specialisation l Newspapers/magazines you read, their unique features
in the chosen career. One should take into cogniszance all and editors
these in advance so that one is positioned to give a well- l How you spend your leisure/spare time
sounding reply.
There are some extra-curricular aspects of school or Family and Social Background
college like membership of societies or clubs in the college,
participation in NCC, NSS, debates and extempore, etc. It is expected that a candidate is aware of his immediate
Questions are put on these activities to ascertain the specific environment: detail knowledge of ones own place of birth or
role of the candidate, his leadership, organising ability and residence or education, its importance and historical, political,
inter-personal skills displayed by him. Candidates should tourist interest etc; its industries, crops, minerals and any
prepare well on all these non-academic activities and be ready famous personality associated with it; mode of transport

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for the specific questions. connecting it to the other parts of the country and information
In case you have worked previously, you may be ready about surrounding areas.
for questions on your previous job, your responsibility there Knowledge of the family background is equally
and prominent achievements. If you have changed your job important, particularly the vocation of parents and other
a few times, you must be ready with the reasons, particularly members of the family.
when it is from private sector to public sector or the other
way round. You may be asked of the benefits of your earlier Current Affairs
position/job and your specific reasons for preferring the new An interview generally has a vast area which covers questions
one. If it is for better remuneration or for greater security, about matters of general interest, i.e. economic, political, social
there is nothing wrong in admitting the same. etc. For current affairs one should read daily newspapers

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with regularity, particularly the editorials, column-writing and
Go for Interest special articles. In controversial matters the candidates views
To be successful one has to learn the art of concentration. should be mild and modest with reasons in support thereof,
An important fact is that the secret of concentration is interest. leaving open a possibility for other points of view different
One has to create interest by seeing a good purpose for the from his own.
work of the moment.
Dress
Believe in Yourself It is common practice that people form of their opinion of a
First of all convince yourself that you are the right person man within a minute and a half of meeting him.
for the job with all the necessary qualities. This will give you As a practice the dresses which are normally worn in the
self-confidence and courage to face the board. You should office are suitable like shirts and trousers, safaris or suits
present yourself as a cool, composed and confident for the male candidates and saris, salwar-kamiz etc for ladies.
candidate. If a suit is especially stitched for the occasion, it should be
previously worn so that one should feel comfortable and not
Self-assessment self-conscious while wearing it. Candidates should wear
clothes according to the season and should not be sweating
So far as your self-assessment is concerned, following points or shivering in the interview room. Ladies should wear dresses
are of utmost importance from the interview point of view: which are generally worn by working women.
l Name of school/college where you studied On the question of personal appearance and dress, it is
l Examination passed, subjects offered and marks/ also important that the candidates hair, nails and shoes etc
divisions secured should also be properly looked after before presenting himself
l Educational achievement/distinction attained before the interview board.
Temperament and Attitude granted that a reasonable good information about the
following will stand you in good stead at an interview:
An intelligent person with a negative attitude is the last one l A brief history of the organisation
an organisation is looking for to employ. The interviewers l Its main functions, products and services
first look to the temperament and attitude an individual l Location of its headquarters, branches, units and
possesses to evaluate whether his knowledge and skills will divisions
benefit the organisation and the society as a whole. l Any significant issue of the organisation that is
The candidate should have a positive attitude and it newsworthy
should reflect in his appearance, speech and reflexes. He l Details about the job applied for and the hierarchy in the
should not have a fear of looking imperfect. He should not be organisation
too eager to make the right impression or to over-state his
achievements. While talking to the interviewer, he should Place of Interview
not be too informal. Nor should he show off. The candidate
must not exaggerate anything or be arrogant while talking. Acquaintance with the location and settings of interview
He should not ramble on or say anything more than what is comes in handy for a candidates self-confidence. It is
needed. advisable that the candidates take pain to discover
Inferiority complex is as dangerous as superiority beforehand exactly where they have to go and how best to
complex. Do not waver between these extremes. Just be a reach there.

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student willing to learn. Do not make a sweeping statement.
Rehearsal/Mock Practice
About the Job/Organisation A sizeable number of aspirants who have been successful
As soon as you receive a call for an interview, collect lament that they could have done still better had they
background information relating to the job applied for and prepared well. This shows that preparations in right earnest
the people with whom you would be working. Take it for lead to success. While preparing for mock-interviews the
following questions may be of help.

FAQs in the Interview

1.
2.

3.

4.
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Name and Surname
Can you explain the meaning of your name?
Your surname appears to be unusual and unheard, could
you explain?
Your father has Choudhary as surname. How is that you
have not inherited the same?.
You are prepared to inherit your fathers property whereas
9.

10.

11.
If you are posted in the district (XYZ) what would be
your priorities in terms of plan and actions?
You come from the state which has the lowest per capita
income followed by the highest population growth. Can
you explain the reasons?
Where would you prefer your posting in a backward
state or in your home state?
12. Do you think growth of agriculture depends on literacy?
you are discarding his surname?
13. How is the economy of your district?
5. What is the harm if your surname or name depicts your
14. A new class of rural rich is emerging very rapidly. Suggest
caste? After all, marriages and votings are fixed on caste
few steps to organise their wealth in the main structure
basis, dont you agree?
of national economy.
6. Your name has similarity to that of such-and-such great
man, what about his qualities? Hobbies
Place of Origin 15. You have mentioned travelling as your hobby. How often
do you travel?
7. You belong to this (XYZ) district which we believe is the
16. On being selected you will not be able to carry on with
most backward district of your state. What according to
your hobby of travelling, will you?
you are the main reasons of its backwardness?
17. Travelling is a curse and not a pleasure in our country.
8. Name and explain some of the development programmes
Please comment.
of the government in your district.
18. Recently one of the Indian States has become 37. Mention a few important roles of the rural banks in your
International Tourists Choice. Do you know that? area.
19. You have mentioned social service as your hobby. Is 38. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
there any possibility of integration of social service and 39. Where do you desire to see yourself after 20 years?
Banking Service? 40. Are you confident that you will be selected?
20. Whom would you hold responsible politicians, 41. What will you plan to do it you are not selected?
bureaucrats or public for the poor state of affairs as 42. Who is the person in your life who has inspired and
far as Social Service is concerned? influenced you to a very great extent?
21. In which way can banking sector contribute towards 43. Explain few positive impacts of Foreign Banks on Indian
social service in the society? banking system.
22. What is an NGO? How does it function? 44. Do you think our rural sectors are being neglected due
23. Sports being your hobby, do you think the match-fixing to the competitions between the foreign and the Indian
episode has virtually wiped out public interest in cricket Banks?
matches? 45. What is disinvestment policy? Should we open, also
24. How can you pursue your gardening hobby in a this door to, the foreign organisations?
metropolitan city as there is hard:/ any space left?
Banking, Finance And Economy
Academic Qualification 1. Explain the following and their current position
(General Type Questions) (i) Bank Rate

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25. You have consistently good academic records including (ii) CRR
a Doctorate. Why dont you join teaching profession? (iii) SLR
26. You are an engineer from a premier Institution. In fact, (iv) CAR
banking job may not be suitable to you. Dont you (v) PLR
consider it as a national loss? (vi) SDR
27. Throughout your academic career you have a science (vii) Repo Rate
background, whereas banking service is a commercial 2. Why Benchmark PLR has been in the news recently?
job. How can you find it suitable? 3. How much is the Benchmark PLR of this bank?
28. You have high first division in school, high second class 4. What were the reason of Nationalisation of Banks?
in class XII, and second class in Graduation. It is in fact 5. What were the recommendation of Narsimhan
in 10 descending order. What if this continues even in Committee?

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your job. 6. Narsimhan Committee is related to which field?
29. You have changed from Science Stream to Humanities in 7. What is Weak Bank, Narrow Banking, Local Area Bank
Graduation securing drastically low marks in graduation. & Lead Bank?
Your decision was wrong, do you agree? 8. What is Merchant Banking & Universal Banking?
30. We find your academic results quite inconsistent and 9. What is the difference between Banks and Non-Banking
varying from 50% to 59%; Can you explain the reasons Financial Institutions?
for the same? 10. What is the difference between SBI and Nationalised
Banks?
Banking and Miscellaneous 11. Is SBI Nationalised Bank? If not then why?
31. Which is more important for banks social obligatiton or 12. Who is the Chairman of this bank?
commercial progress? Can you differentiate between the 13. What are the main reason to Introduce RRBs?
two? 14. What is Scheduled Bank?
32. As far as consumer banking Is concerned foreign banks 15. What are Basel II Norms?
are putting up new challenge to the Indian Banks. Do 16. What is the purpose of Service Area Approach?
you agree? Why? 17. What is the Single Window System in a bank?
33. What is the basic difference between Mutual Funds 18. Wnat is the current inflation position in India?
and Banks? 19. What is the difference between Monetory and Fiscal
34. What significant role does RBI play in controlling banks Policy?
in our country? 20. What are the main features of Current Monetary Policy?
35. Why do banks still charge interests on loans if they are 21. Who is the Governor of RBI?
to abide by socialistic principle? 22. What are the functions of RBI?
36. Have you ever heard the phrase Commanding Heights? 23. How Bank creates credit?
24. What is credit control policy of RBI?
25. What is Open Market Operation? 66. What is NPA?
26. What is a Bank and what are the functions of a Bank? 67. How can you reduce NPAs?
27. What is Branch Banking? 68. Difference between Gross NPAs and Net NPAs?
28. How can we reduce NPAs? 69. What are the new norms for NPA?
29. Two major problems of bank at present? How would you 70. Who is the Highest Officer of RBI?
handle them? 71. What is Indian Currency?
30. In which states there is no RRBs? 72. Why the banks like to open their branches in towns and
31. Where is the Head Office of RBI? cities specially private banks, while the real Wealth of
32. What is the difference between the One rupee note and the country is in the villages?
the Two rupee note? 73. If we appoint you in our Rural branch, would you like to
33. How Banks are helpful in the development of an live in a village?
industry? 74. At this time you are giving your acceptance, but as soon
34. How many public sector banks are there in India? as you are posted in a rural branch of the bank, you
35. What is banking Ombudsman scheme? would make efforts for your transfer to a city branch
36. What were the reasons for nationalising the banks in isnt it?
India? 75. What are the sources of a bank through which it obtains
37. Is there any possibility of Nationalising some more banks. its funds for operation?
If yes then why? If not then why? 76. In this era of competition with private players, what will

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38. How many types of Cheque are there in banks? be the future of public sector banks after 10 years?
39. If a party makes payment to you with two options either 77. Is there any need of RRBs in India?
Cheque or Draft then what would you prefer and why? 78. Why a bank issue IPO?
40. Tell us 5 major import items of India? 79. What is supply of money?
41. Which cheque works just like a currency note? 80. What is Mobile Banking?
42. What will you do in case a cheque is lost by you? 81. Main features of 10th five year plan?
43. What is clearing house? 82. Who is the head of planning commission?
44. What is Grashams Law ? 83. Who is the head of National Development Council?
45. Bad currency throws out of circulation good currency 84. Who is the head of Finance Commission?
what do you understand by this statement? 85. What is Vote on Account?
46. What is Inflation, Deflation, Disinflation, Stagflation, 86. Tell us about main features of the Budget?

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Mild Inflation, Galloping inflation? 87. How is Current Economic position of India?
47. How can Inflation be controlled? 88. What are the Singapore issues?
48. What are the causes of Inflation? 89. Tell us about FOREX and its present condition?
49. Difference between Black money and Black Income? 90. What is Rupee appreciation?
50. What are Parallel and Underground Economy? 91. Banking scenario of last 10 years?
51. What are the causes of the creation of Black money? 92. What is VRS scheme?
How can we control it? 93. Raising forex is beneficial to India or not?
52. What is Devaluation of Currency? 94. Important events in last one year in banking or economic
53. What do you know about Finances commission of India? sector?
54. What is the difference between Bonds and Shares? 95. What is SEB!?
55. Distinguish between Money market and Capital market? 96, What is IRDA & PFRDA?
56. Which/ Who has controlling authority of Money market? 97. What do you know about credit Rating agencies in India?
57. Which/Who has controlling authority of Capital market? 98. How is working culture in Private Banks and how it is
58. What is Near money, Dear money, Cheap money, Hot different from Public sector banks?
money? 99. What is Fiat money?
59. Define Stock Exchange? Why it is necessary in a 100. Define Call money market?
capitalist Economy? 101. What is the difference between Credit and Debit Card?
60. How is business transacted in a stock exchange? 102. How ATM works?
61. What is Mutual Fund? 103. What is digital signature?
62. Tell us 5 major Export items of India? 104. What is e-banking concept?
63. If RBI increases Bank Rate or CRR, does it effect 105. Is the privatisation of banking correct?
economy? If Yes then how? 106. What is Easy Money?
64. What is Inflationary GAP? 107. What is Balanced Budget?
65. What are the main objectives of Monetary policy? 108. What is Disguised Unemployment?
109. What is Duopoly? 122. What are the special features of new Exim Policy?
110. What is Effective Demand? 123. What has been the economic growth target set by 10th
111. What is Embargo? five year plan?
112. How the poverty is analysed in India? 124. Being a Branch Manager of a bank how would you
113. Where the head quarter of IMF is situated? improve the day to day work and services of that branch?
114. What is Consolidated and Contingency fund of India? 125. Which steps would you take to prevent forgery/looting
115. What is the financial year of RBI? in your branch?
116. Explain the present condition of Balance of payment and 126. What is Subsidy?
Balance of Trade? 127. What is Overdraft facility?
117. What is Bull and Beer? 128. What is Priority sector lending?
118. What is Free Trade 3 Concept? 129, What is CAMELS rating in banks?
119. What is the difference between Saving and Current 130. What is RIDF?
Deposits? 131. What are the challenges before banking sector in present
120. When was RBI embellished? time?
121. What is NABARD? Tell us about its functions and where 132. What is the future of banking sector?
it has its head office ;

K Model Answers
It is an established fact that certain questions almost
necessarily crop up very often in any interview. Though these
questions slightly differ from job to job and accordingly the
answers also differ as per specific job requirements, some
typical questions and their possible answers are as follows:
up to those which are needed in the present one. Also, how
successful the candidate had been in the last job. In such a
situation the candidates reply should try to mention his
particular skills and whether he had been trained to use any
particular equipment. If the last job and the job applied for

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both require an ability to get on well with people, the candidate
Tell me something about yourself. must point this out. If the new job is better than the last job,
This is certainly a general question. You need not give a the candidate must point out how it is a logical progress from
detailed account of your career history that is already before the last job.
the interviewer mentioned in your application/bio-data. You
are not required to repeat them. Here you should tell the Why are you interested to work with this
interviewer about your special qualities, traits, ambition, organisation?
aspiration, special achievements, motivation etc. Here the interviewer is trying to find out whether you have
an enthusiastic and positive approach to his organisation. If
Describe your home background. you have done some good background work on the
This question usually crops up when moderately young organisation, you will be in a good position to say what you
persons and new school/college-leavers apply for jobs. They really like about it, why you think it has a good reputation
have little or no work record before them. By the question the and why the job suits you nicely.
interviewers try to find out the candidates stability, his
enthusiastic attitude for hard work and the family environment What were the reasons for your leaving the last
for the same. The candidate therefore must try and pick out job?
only those aspects of his background which make him The interviewer is interested to know whether the candidate
particularly suitable for the job he has applied for. left his last job for any reasons which could pose similar
What did you do in your last job? problems if he worked with the new organisation. Some of
the reasons for the answer may be that the candidate is
By this question the interviewers try to find out how far the interested to work nearer home OR insufficient salary OR end
experience and skills gained and used in your last job match of contract employment OR he is interested in a career change
OR he is looking for more responsibility. But never should in a wide range of subjects and would be able to bring the
the candidate run down or criticise his past employer even if same enthusiasm to his work. He can also say that learning
that is true. any subject successfully enables him to learn new skills
quickly. It also makes him better able to handle the unfamiliar
What are your shortcomings/weaknesses? skills that may come up as part of his job.
If you are asked such a question never say that you do not
have any weaknesses. That will be unmistakably untrue. You Why does the candidate consider himself best
should reply along the following lines: I do not think I have suited for the job?
any weaknesses which would affect my ability to do my job The answer to such a question should be tailor-made in order
OR my weaknesses, if any, will not come in my professional to suit the needs of the organisation. The employer is
work. interested to know whether the candidate possesses the
requisite skills, knowledge, attitudes, experience and so on
Tell me how you would change things if you are for the job. Therefore the candidate should be thoroughly
given this job. familiar with various requirements of the job to answer the
Here the employer is looking for initiative, drive, and question well.
indications that the candidate has given some thought to
what the job will involve. The candidate should therefore Do you accept transferability in postings?
make it clear that he does not expect to come in and immediately The question of mobility becomes crucial because in some

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start changing things merely for the sake of change. He should cases people are not at all willing to move out of a chosen
clearly and frankly explain to the employer that he would place which may be his hometown. However, there is nothing
certainly need time in order to make a thorough assessment wrong in accepting transferability in a job.
of the existing situation and, if need be, will suggest a change.
He should say that he would first be wholly familiar with the What are your successes and failures?
various aspects of the organisation before suggesting A candidate while talking about his successes and failures
changes. must try to strike balance. While talking about his past failures
he should be honest about his mistakes. But he must add
Why did you study certain subjects at school/ that he has learnt from them.
college?

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The candidate should explain that that particular subject or What are your ambitions?
course of study is what absolutely interests him. And he The main purpose of this question is to find out whether the
wanted to go on for employment in the same field/subject he candidate will stay with the organisation, whether he is
chose. In case of a course in non-vocational studies, the interested in the job or career genuinely.
candidate should try to show that he is capable of interests

Follow Up the Interview


Follow-up/analysis/lessons learnt At an interview the interviewer meets a complete stranger
for the first time for a few minutes. During that time he hopes
Interviews can be a useful and constructive experience and to gather sufficient information to enable him to make a
doing a proper follow-up will help a candidate get the most reasonable judgement on the candidates capacity to do a
out of it. Even if a candidate is not successful in getting the job. On the basis of their own skills and past experience, they
job he is benefited by the experience. As soon as the interview look for particular clues which will tell them what sort of
is over and you come back home, write down the details person they are dealing with. People here candidates
while the interview is still fresh in your mind. This will help vary in countless ways. The clues to personality which are
you rate your performance. Think about the answers you often used by the interviewers for making judgements are:
gave and the questions you could not answer satisfactorily. i) the way he presents himself;
Pinpoint those where you feel you could have performed ii) his grooming and dress; and
better. iii) his bearing and manner.
The interviewers listen to what the candidate says and Knowledge: The extent of once knowledge assumes
also the way he says it. They try to assess whether there are significance. The knowledge level of a candidate is invariably
inconsistencies by looking for any expressions or manners one of the most important factors in any interview. Particularly
which are not in keeping with the overt behaviour of the the knowledge related to the job/post in question. Knowledge
candidate. The candidate often works out for himself the of the field of specialisation that the candidate is claiming.
kinds of judgement the interviewers would make and tries to Besides, knowledge about oneself in terms of ones strengths
present himself in a favourable light. It is the interviewers and weaknesses, values, and beliefs, contributes a lot.
part in the game to try to persuade and to bring the candidate Knowledge of the organisation is another plus point. In
to lower his mask so that he can see what lies behind. general, knowledge of the world scenario and current affairs
Remember that most of the non-verbal leakage arises is a formidable asset.
from facial expression. They may be the direction of gaze, Achievements: It is very well-evident that a candidates
raising of eyebrows, blinking, smile, etc, all of which form achievements, be it in a school/college or in a previous job,
part of the facial language which serves as a constant give a good indication of his future achievements/orientation.
background to the vocal utterances. As the interviewers Personal Qualities: Since in an interview there is little
question, they scan their listeners face in order to find out time for the board to make a proper assessment of the personal
his reaction. They change their own behaviour to read the qualities of a candidate, he has to project them. Honesty,
candidates reflexes. team spirit and commitment are common qualities for all jobs.
But qualities such as ability to do work under stress and for
Things the board is looking long hours, etc may differ from one job to another. The
candidate must ascertain the requirements of the job so that

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for/not looking for he may be able to project them in proper respect. A candidate
What the interviewers look for in a candidate is very important. who has been the captain in school is likely to possess
But this differs from one organisation to another, and from leadership qualities. A sportsman is likely to have team spirit.
one kind of job to another. However, they all seem to be The negative qualities which the interview board would
looking for certain common qualities irrespective of the post. not like to be presented with are:
Personality: The kind of personality differs from job to l Poor personal appearance, dirty clothes
job. For example, a smooth-talking extrovert may be best suited l Lack of courtesy and manners
for a sales officers job. An introvert will be suitable for an l Inability to express clearly, poor communication skills
accounts officers job. Here the interviewer wants that the l Overemphasis on money rather than growth prospects
candidates personality must suit the job. However, l Aggressive, conceited and showy

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irrespective of the sort of job, a well-groomed candidate is l Lack of interest and enthusiasm
indisputably preferred. Such a person should be pleasant, l Nervous or passive and indifferent
confident, enthusiastic and self-reliant. l Lack of sincerity and tact
Communication skills: Communication, both written and l Disorganised and superficial answers
oral, is very important for the purpose of efficient and smooth l Evasiveness, indecision and lack of maturity
functioning of any organisation. Imperfect communication l Wants job only for a short time
could result in breakdowns in human operations and relations. l No real interest in the job
The degree of communication skill that may be required l Strong prejudices and narrow-minded
depends on the type of job. A high degree of communication l Lack of social understanding, unable to work in a team
skill is needed for managerial and other senior positions. If a l Lack of appreciation of seniors or value of experience
candidate speaks naturally, with the right speed, each word l Dishonesty and bluff
articulated correctly, he would definitely have a good l Poor academic record
communication skill. The tone of his voice must not be l Casual approach
inaudible or excited.
Education and experience: It is noted that the more Review
relevant the educational qualifications are, the greater are the
It is in the candidates interest to review his performance as
chances for the selection. Generally, high marks are valued,
soon as the interview is over, before the memories and
particularly for technical posts such as engineering, medicine,
impressions fade. The candidate should make a list of items
research and so on, though they may not be the single factor
which strike him as important. Which may include Answers
to judge. The general tendency is that an organisation prefers
to question which you gave particularly well and Answers
an average academic performance provided the candidate
where you had an uneasy feeling that this was not the exact
has an all-round personality. The interviewers do not approve
answer the interviewers were looking for. This is because
frequent change in jobs. It may be viewed with suspicion.
these questions may crop up again in another interview. This to begin an interview by devoting a few minutes to establish
will provide you with an opportunity to prepare a better rapport with the candidate. Once having launched the
answer OR to put your case in a slightly different manner. candidate into the interview and persuaded him to talk freely
You should also keep a note of answers to question which in about himself, the interviewers task is to listen. The
your opinion expressed the situation best. Keep this note in interviewer uses the candidates answer to formulate his next
your records. This will enable you to refresh your memory questions but he will not lose sight of his overall plan. In
before another interview in future. Remember that it is case a candidate dodges a question or answers vaguely, the
important to do so irrespective of your success in the said interviewer will not like to be put off but he will pursue it.
interview. These notes will definitely be highly useful in the Physique: This includes health and strength, physical
future. energy, outward appearance, speech and manner. Dont be
In case you are unsuccessful in the interview, try to find fooled that these do not matter and all that counts is how well
out the reasons. Analyse your interview. In case you have you can do the job.
been rejected by many interviews of different organisations, Attainments: This includes both educational and
you need not be disappointed or disheartened. The fact that occupational achievements.
you have got so far as the interview stage shows that you General Intelligence: It is difficult to clearly define and
have certainly been a good candidate. You can never be certain justify general intelligence. Kindly note that effective
to be better than all the other candidates. Therefore remember intelligence or common sense does not necessarily coincide
that the more you work on your interview, the better chance with academic brilliance.

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you will have the next time. Your rejection does not necessarily Aptitudes: They include verbal, mechanical, musical,
mean that your interview technique is at fault. It is clearly artistic skills and so on. The job specification provides
accepted that there are many reasons why certain candidates information on the skill and aptitudes which would be an
are chosen. These reasons may at times seem unfair to most advantage in the job.
of the unsuccessful candidates. Do not forget that there are Interests: The candidates leisure interests are an
other considerations also besides knowledge and talent. indication of his potential future development. They also
Sometimes the reasons may be as funny as location, transport, suggest the strength of his motivation, his intellectual level
knowledge of local language/culture or simply that the and whether he is social or loner. The interviewer will also
organisation wants to take a relatively less qualified person want to check that your hobbies and interests do not encroach
so that he may not leave the job at the slightest better on working time.
opportunity. Disposition: It includes acceptable personality, whether

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If you have been successful and have been offered the the candidate is self-motivated, dominant or submissive, and
post, it is all the more worth finding out about your interview his degree of self-reliance. These things influence how he
technique and the success behind it. This will help you next will cope up with the job and with stress. Also, it gives an
time when you wish to change jobs or for a better position. indication of how he will carry on with other people.
While reviewing his performance a candidate may note Circumstances: It is a difficult area but helps the
that questions asked to him in the interview fall under seven interviewer to put a candidates achievements into context.
main headings. These areas are all reflections of the main He may be much more impressed with your achievements if
specification which is included in the job descriptions. These the odds were against you in some way. The interviewer will
headings provide nearly the general framework for gathering also consider your age, location, family circumstances and
information from candidates during an interview. It is normal stability.
How to Face GD
A group discussion (GD) consists of: Exchange of Thoughts
1. Communication Skills A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject among members of a group. These discussions are held for
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high
4. Exchange of thoughts level of competition. The number of participants in a group
5. Addressing the group as a whole can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is
6. Thorough preparations given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to
25 minutes.
Communication Skills The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short
time and make assessments about their skills, which normally
The first aspect is ones power of expression. In a group
cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team
discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is
membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.
able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak
A note is made of your contributions to the discussion,
forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his
comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike,
knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in
patience. assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body

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holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.
language and eye contact too are important points which are
It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule
to be considered.
evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your
knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of Addressing the Group as a Whole
thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks
lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone
neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyones
stages. Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They names. It is better to address the group as a whole.
look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear
Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the
then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The

KUNDAN
in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a language used should also be formal, not the language used
loner or can work in a group. in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases
You should be able to convey your thoughts like yar, chalta hai, OK, etc. are out. This is not to say
satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding
Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish,
These add value to your presentation. (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded. Confidence
and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help.
Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more
words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be
Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of
specific. Do not exaggerate.
ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent
reading on various topics ranging from science and Thorough Preparation
technology to politics, in-depth knowledge makes one
confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound Start making preparations for interview and group
convincing and confident. discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour,
this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not
Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject
knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for
The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidates
thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very
leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a
tough.
silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate
In a group discussion you may be given a topic and
should display tactfulness. skill, understanding and
asked to express your views on it. For this you should have
knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and
a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current
other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other
affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your
candidates who may be almost equally competent.
group, behaviour and communication skills are on test, ie 4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the
how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to subject.
express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate 5. Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood
ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and and analyzed the subject.
adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the 6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry:
GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression initiate the discussion or agree with someone
that you are open to accommodate others viewpoints. elses point and then move onto express your views.
Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the 7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining
discussion. attention and recognition. If you do not give
valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts
Points to Remember of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures
l Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your
habits has more chances of success. In other words, attitude than what you say.
sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, 9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to
economy, science and technology is helpful. how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
l Power to convince effectively is another quality that 10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced
makes you stand out among others. tone in your discussion and analysis.
l Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential

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11. Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object
quality. to. The key is to stay objective: Dont take the
l If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is discussion personally.
better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong 12. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases
approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might like: I strongly object or I disagree. Instead try
adopt the wait-and-watch attitude. Listen attentively phrases like: I would like to share my views on... or
to others, may be you would be able to come up with a One difference between your point and mine... or I
point or two later. beg to differ with you
l A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided. 13. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other
l A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine members of the team to speak (this surely does
themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

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part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice say let us hear what the young lady with the blue
in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral. scarf has to say, or Raghu, let us hear your views -
l Language use should be simple, direct and straight Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be
forward. receptive to others opinions and do not be abrasive or
l Dont interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to aggressive.
score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short. 14. If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have
l Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact a mock group discussion where you can learn
plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
listening intently or nodding while appreciating 15. Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge
someones viewpoint speak of you positively. team members for their alertness and presence of
l Communicate with each and every candidate present. mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team
While speaking dont keep looking at a single member. without alienating certain members, and creativity.
Address the entire group in such a way that everyone
feels you are speaking to him or her. Donts
1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone
GD Dos & Donts you are not. Be yourself.
2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal.
Dos The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone 3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you
you are not. Be yourself. are going to say.
2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. 4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the
The evaluator wants to hear you speak. subject.
3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you 5. Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood
are going to say. and analyzed the subject.
6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: l Impact of internet in India
initiate the discussion or agree with someone l How to deal with international terrorism
elses point and then move onto express your views. l TV commercial should be banned
7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining l Should banks be consolidated?
attention and recognition. If you do not give l Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts l Is China a threat to the Indian software industry.
of initiating the discussion will be in vain. l Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures l Is Globalisation Really Necessary?
and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your l Is India a Soft Nation?
attitude than what you say. l Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad.
9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to l Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save
how you get your points across clearly and fluently. our culture
10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced l Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy
tone in your discussion and analysis. l Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
11. Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object l Should the public sector be privatised?
to. The key is to stay objective: Dont take the l Is the consumer really the king in India?
discussion personally. l Globalisation is good for developing countries.
l Beauty contests degrade womanhood
General GD Topics l Should Sonia Gandhi be made the PM?
l Should there be reservation in educational institutions?

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l Sensex:- Hype or real l Is China a threat to India?
l Media-too much of free hand l Should cricket be banned.

Interview Material for Insurance Sector


History of Insurance company in the year 1870, and covered Indian lives at normal
rates. Starting as Indian enterprise with highly patriotic

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The story of insurance is probably as old as the story of motives, insurance companies came into existence to carry
mankind. The same instinct that prompts modern businessmen the message of insurance and social security through
today to secure themselves against loss and disaster existed insurance to various sectors of society. Bharat Insurance
in primitive men also. They too sought to avert the evil Company (1896) was also one of such companies inspired by
consequences of fire and flood and loss of life and were nationalism. The Swadeshi movement of 1905-1907 gave rise
willing to make some sort of sacrifice in order to achieve to more insurance companies. The United India in Madras,
security. Though the concept of insurance is largely a National Indian and National Insurance in Calcutta and the
development of the recent past, particularly after the industrial Co-operative Assurance at Lahore were established in 1906.
era past few centuries yet its beginnings date back almost In 1907, Hindustan Co-operative Insurance Company took
6000 years. its birth in one of the rooms of the Jorasanko, house of the
Life Insurance in its modern form came to India from great poet Rabindranath Tagore, in Calcutta. The Indian
England in the year 1818. Oriental Life Insurance Company Mercantile, General Assurance and Swadeshi Life (later
started by Europeans in Calcutta was the first life insurance Bombay Life) were some of the companies established during
company on Indian Soil. All the insurance companies the same period. Prior to 1912 India had no legislation to
established during that period were brought up with the regulate insurance business. In the year 1912, the Life
purpose of looking after the needs of European community Insurance Companies Act, and the Provident Fund Act were
and Indian natives were not being insured by these passed. The Life Insurance Companies Act, 1912 made it
companies. However, later with the efforts of eminent people necessary that the premium rate tables and periodical
like Babu Muttylal Seal, the foreign life insurance companies valuations of companies should be certified by an actuary.
started insuring Indian lives. But Indian lives were being But the Act discriminated between foreign and Indian
treated as sub-standard lives and heavy extra premiums were companies on many accounts, putting the Indian companies
being charged on them. Bombay Mutual Life Assurance at a disadvantage.
Society heralded the birth of first Indian life insurance The first two decades of the twentieth century saw lot of
growth in insurance business. From 44 companies with total and many other cities. With a vision of providing easy access
business-in-force as Rs.22.44 crore, it rose to 176 companies to its policyholders, LIC has launched its SATELLITE
with total business-in-force as Rs.298 crore in 1938. During SAMPARK offices. The satellite offices are smaller, leaner
the mushrooming of insurance companies many financially and closer to the customer. The digitalized records of the
unsound concerns were also floated which failed miserably. satellite offices will facilitate anywhere servicing and many
The Insurance Act 1938 was the first legislation governing other conveniences in the future.
not only life insurance but also non-life insurance to provide LIC continues to be the dominant life insurer even in the
strict state control over insurance business. The demand for liberalized scenario of Indian insurance and is moving fast on
nationalization of life insurance industry was made repeatedly a new growth trajectory surpassing its own past records. LIC
in the past but it gathered momentum in 1944 when a bill to has issued over one crore policies during the current year. It
amend the Life Insurance Act 1938 was introduced in the has crossed the milestone of issuing 1,01,32,955 new policies
Legislative Assembly. However, it was much later on the 19th by 15th Oct, 2005, posting a healthy growth rate of 16.67%
of January, 1956, that life insurance in India was nationalized. over the corresponding period of the previous year.
About 154 Indian insurance companies, 16 non-Indian From then to now, LIC has crossed many milestones and
companies and 75 provident were operating in India at the has set unprecedented performance records in various
time of nationalization. Nationalization was accomplished in aspects of life insurance business. The same motives which
two stages; initially the management of the companies was inspired our forefathers to bring insurance into existence in
taken over by means of an Ordinance, and later, the ownership this country inspire us at LIC to take this message of

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too by means of a comprehensive bill. The Parliament of India protection to light the lamps of security in as many homes as
passed the Life Insurance Corporation Act on the 19th of possible and to help the people in providing security to their
June 1956, and the Life Insurance Corporation of India was families.
created on 1st September, 1956, with the objective of spreading
life insurance much more widely and in particular to the rural Some of the important milestones in the life
areas with a view to reach all insurable persons in the country, insurance business in India:
providing them adequate financial cover at a reasonable cost. 1818: Oriental Life Insurance Company, the first life
LIC had 5 zonal offices, 33 divisional offices and 212 insurance company on Indian soil started functioning.
branch offices, apart from its corporate office in the year 1870: Bombay Mutual Life Assurance Society, the first
1956. Since life insurance contracts are long term contracts Indian life insurance company started its business.
and during the currency of the policy it requires a variety of 1912: The Indian Life Assurance Companies Act enacted

KUNDAN
services need was felt in the later years to expand the as the first statute to regulate the life insurance
operations and place a branch office at each district business.
headquarter. Re-organization of LIC took place and large 1928: The Indian Insurance Companies Act enacted to enable
numbers of new branch offices were opened. As a result of the government to collect statistical information about
re-organisation servicing functions were transferred to the both life and non-life insurance businesses.
branches, and branches were made accounting units. It 1938: Earlier legislation consolidated and amended to by
worked wonders with the performance of the corporation. It the Insurance Act with the objective of protecting
may be seen that from about 200.00 crores of New Business the interests of the insuring public.
in 1957 the corporation crossed 1000.00 crores only in the 1956: 245 Indian and foreign insurers and provident
year 1969-70, and it took another 10 years for LIC to cross societies are taken over by the central government
2000.00 crore mark of new business. But with re-organisation and nationalised. LIC formed by an Act of Parliament,
happening in the early eighties, by 1985-86 LIC had already viz. LIC Act, 1956, with a capital contribution of Rs. 5
crossed 7000.00 crore Sum Assured on new policies. crore from the Government of India. The General
Today LIC functions with 2048 fully computerized branch insurance business in India, on the other hand, can
offices, 109 divisional offices, 8 zonal offices, 992 satallite trace its roots to the Triton Insurance Company Ltd.,
offices and the Corporate office. LICs Wide Area Network the first general insurance company established in
covers 109 divisional offices and connects all the branches the year 1850 in Calcutta by the British.
through a Metro Area Network. LIC has tied up with some
Banks and Service providers to offer on-line premium Some of the important milestones in the general
collection facility in selected cities. LICs ECS and ATM insurance business in India:
premium payment facility is an addition to customer
convenience. Apart from on-line Kiosks and IVRS, Info 1907: The Indian Mercantile Insurance Ltd. set up, the first
Centres have been commissioned at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, company to transact all classes of general insurance
Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, Pune business.
1957: General Insurance Council, a wing of the Insurance Insurance Regulatory and
Association of India, frames a code of conduct for
ensuring fair conduct and sound business practices. Development Authority
1968: The Insurance Act amended to regulate investments
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) is
and set minimum solvency margins and the Tariff
an autonomous apex statutory body which regulates and
Advisory Committee set up.
develops the insurance industry in India. It was constituted
1972: The General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act,
by a Parliament of India act called Insurance Regulatory and
1972 nationalised the general insurance business in
Development Authority Act, 1999 and duly passed by the
India with effect from 1st January 1973.
Government of India.
Insurers amalgamated and grouped into four companies
The agency operates its headquarters at Hyderabad,
viz. the National Insurance Company Ltd., the New India
Andhra Pradesh where it shifted from Delhi in 2001.
Assurance Company Ltd., the Oriental Insurance Company
Ltd. and the United India Insurance Company Ltd. GIC History
incorporated as a company.
Mission: Explore and enhance the quality of life of The IRDA Act, 1999 was passed as per the major
people through financial security by providing products and recommendation of the Malhotra Committee report (1994)
services of aspired attributes with competitive returns, and which recommended establishment of an independent
by rendering resources for economic development. regulatory authority for insurance sector in India. Later, it
Vision: A trans-nationally competitive financial was incorporated as a statutory body in April, 2000. The
conglomerate of significance to societies and Pride of India. IRDA Act, 1999 also allows private players to enter the

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insurance sector in India besides a maximum foreign equity
Objectives of LIC of 26 per cent in a private insurance company having
operations in India. It serves as an Authority to protect the
l Spread Life Insurance widely and in particular to the interests of holders of insurance policies, to regulate, promote
rural areas and to the socially and economically backward and ensure orderly growth of the insurance industry and for
classes with a view to reaching all insurable persons in matters connected therewith.
the country and providing them adequate financial cover
against death at a reasonable cost. Organizational structure
l Maximize mobilization of peoples savings by making IRDA is a ten member body consisting of:
insurance-linked savings adequately attractive. l A Chairman,

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l Bear in mind, in the investment of funds, the primary l Five whole-time members and
obligation to its policyholders, whose money it holds in l Four part-time members.
trust, without losing sight of the interest of the community All members are appointed by the Government of India.
as a whole; the funds to be deployed to the best
advantage of the investors as well as the community as Duties, powers and functions
a whole, keeping in view national priorities and
The duties, powers and functions of IRDA are laid down
obligations of attractive return.
in section 14 of IRDA Act, 1999 as :
l Conduct business with utmost economy and with the
1. Subject to the provisions of this Act and any other law
full realization that the moneys belong to the
for the time being in force, the Authority shall have the
policyholders.
duty to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of
l Act as trustees of the insured public in their individual
the insurance business and re-insurance business.
and collective capacities.
2. Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions
l Meet the various life insurance needs of the community
contained in sub-section (1), the powers and functions
that would arise in the changing social and economic
of the Authority shall include, -
environment.
l issue to the applicant a certificate of registration, renew,
l Involve all people working in the Corporation to the best
modify, withdraw, suspend or cancel such registration;
of their capability in furthering the interests of the insured
l protection of the interests of the policy holders in matters
public by providing efficient service with courtesy.
concerning assigning of policy, nomination by policy
l Promote amongst all agents and employees of the
holders, insurable interest, settlement of insurance claim,
Corporation a sense of participation, pride and job
surrender value of policy and other terms and conditions
satisfaction through discharge of their duties with
of contracts of insurance;
dedication towards achievement of Corporate Objective.
l specifying requisite qualifications, code of conduct and
practical training for intermediary or insurance of insurance then a good response may come in the future.
intermediaries and agents To get success in India companies have to change the
l specifying the code of conduct for surveyors and loss mindset of people because the Indian people believe more on
assessors; public sector companies. So, The companies belong to private
l promoting efficiency in the conduct of insurance sector must have to provide the lucrative product with user
business; friendly facilities.
l promoting and regulating professional organizations
connected with the insurance and re-insurance business; Terms related with Insurance
l levying fees and other charges for carrying out the
purposes of this Act; l Accident: An event or occurrence causing damage/injury
l calling for information from, undertaking inspection of, to an entity, and is unforeseen and unintended.
conducting enquiries and investigations including audit l Accident Benefit:Provides for payment of an additional
of the insurers, intermediaries, insurance intermediaries benefit equal to the sum sum assured in instalments on
and other organizations connected with the insurance permanent total disability and waiver of subsequent
business; premiums payable under the policy.
l control and regulation of the rates, advantages, terms l Age Limits: Stipulated minimum and maximum ages
and conditions that may be offered by insurers in respect below and above which the company will not accept
of general insurance business not so controlled and applications or may not renew policies.
l Agent: An insurance company representative licensed

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regulated by the Tariff Advisory Committee under
section 64U of the Insurance Act, 1938 (4 of 1938); by the state who solicits, negotiates or effects contracts
l specifying the form and manner in which books of of insurance, and provides service to the policyholder
account shall be maintained and statement of accounts for the insurer.
shall be rendered by insurers and other insurance l Annuity Plans: These plans provide for a pension ( or
intermediaries; a mix of a lumpsum amount and a pension ) to be paid to
l regulating investment of funds by insurance companies; the policy holder or his spouse. In the event of death of
l regulating maintenance of margin of solvency; both of them during the policy period, a lumpsum amount
l adjudication of disputes between insurers and is provided for the next of kin.
intermediaries or insurance intermediaries; l Application Form: Supplied by the insurance company,
l supervising the functioning of the Tariff Advisory usually filled in by the agent and medical examiner (if

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Committee; applicable) on the basis of information received from the
l specifying the percentage of premium income of the applicant. It is signed by the applicant and is part of the
insurer to finance schemes for promoting and regulating insurance policy if it is issued.
professional organisations referred to in clause (2.6); l Assignment: Assignment means legal transference. A
l specifying the percentage of life insurance business and method by which the policy holder can person on his
general insurance business to be undertaken by the interest to another person. An assignment can be made
insurer in the rural or social sector; and by an endorsement on the policy document or as a
l exercising such other powers as may be prescribed seperate deed. Assignment can be of two types: (1)
Conditional, and (2) Absolute.
Future of Insurance sector in India l Beneficiary:The person(s) or entity(ies) (e.g.
corporation, trust, etc.) named in the policy as the
The future of insurance sector is very good in India. Current
recipient of insurance proceeds upon the death of the
market share of new companies is not attractive but the
insured.
potential market is very attractive and lucrative in this country.
l Business Insurance: A policy which primarily provides
Insurance has gotten popularity in cities ,most of
coverage of benefits to a business as contrasted to an
members in every family had taken different type of insurance
individual. It is issued to indemnify a business for the
policy , where as only head of the family is insured in
loss of services of a key employee or a partner who
thetowns.Thepositionofinsurancesectorisworseinthe
becomes disabled.
villages .People living in villages do not know the importance
l Cancelable: A contract of health insurance that may be
of insurance and no family member is insured in many of the
cancelled during the policy term by the insurer or insured.
families.
l Coinsurance: (1) A provision under which an insured
New companies has entered into the India ,not because
who carries less than the stipulated percentage of
of the current market but because of the potential market
insurance to value, will receive a loss payment that is
,as the population of India is increasing continually .They
limited to the same ratio which the amount of insurance
believe that if they will educate people about the importance
bears to the amount required; (2) a policy provision l Family Insurance. : A life insurance policy providing
frequently found in medical insurance, by which the insurance on all or several family members in one
insured person and the insurer share the covered losses contract, generally whole life insurance on the principal
under a policy in a specified ratio, i.e., 80 per cent by the breadwinner and small amounts of term insurance on the
insurer and 20 per cent by the insured. other spouse and children, including those born after
l Convertible Whole Life Policy: A mix of whole life the policy is issued
policy and endowment policy, it provides for very l Fiduciary: A person who holds something in trust for
low insurance premiums with maximum risk cover while another.
the life assured is just beginning his working career, and l Fire Insurance: Coverage for losses caused by fire and
the possibiliy of converting the policy to an lightning, plus resultant damage caused by smoke and
endowment policy after five years of commencement. water. Flood insurance Coverage against loss resulting
l Coverage: The scope of protection provided under a from the flood peril, available at low cost under a
contract of insurance; any of several risks covered by a programme developed by the Central government.
policy. l Franchise Insurance: A form of insurance in which
l Days Of Grace: Policy holders are expected to apy individual policies are issued to the employees of a
premium on due dates. a period is 15-30 days is allowed common employer or the members of an association
as grace to make payment of premium; such period is under an arrangement by which the employer or
days of grace. association agrees to collect the premium and remit them
l Deferment Period: Period between the date of to the insurer.
subscription to an insurance-cum-pension policy and l Guaranteed Insurance Sum (GIS): A lump sum purchase

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the time at which the first instalment of pension is price is given to purchase future pensions under the
received. Such policies generally prescribe a minimum Jeevan Akshay Plan of Life Insurance Corporation of
and maximum limit on the deferment period. India. This amount is referred to as GIS. The monthly
l Depreciation: A decrease in the value of property over a pension that is payable one month after payment of first
period of time due to wear and tear or obsolescence. premium is calculated on the basis of the age at entry.
Depreciation is used to determine the actual cash value l Gross Insurance Value Element (GIVE): The amount
of property at time of loss. payable on the deferred date under Jeevan Dhara Life of
l Double/Triple Cover Plans: These offer to the Life Insurance Corporation of India. An annutiy of 1% of
beneficiaries double/triple the sum assured on death of the GIVE is payable per month after the deferment period.
life assured during the term of the policy. On survival to And the entire GIVE is payable on death after deferment

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the date of maturity, the basic sum assured is paid to the period.
assured. These are low-premium plans, most useful for l Group Life Insurance: Life insurance usually without
situations such as housing. medical examination, on a group of people under a master
l Embezzlement: Fraudulent use or taking of anothers policy. It is typically issued to an employer for the benefit
property or money which has been entrusted to ones of employees, or to members of an association, for
care. example a professional membership group. The individual
l Endowment Policy: The assured has to pay an annual members of the group hold certificates as evidence of
premium which is determined on the basis of the their insurance
assureds age at entry and the term of the policy. The l Guaranteed Policies: These are policies where the
insured amount is payable either at the end of specified payment stays fixed.
number of years or upon the death of the insured person, l Indemnity: Legal principle that specifies an insured
whichever is earlier. should not collect more than the actual cash value of a
l Excess And Surplus Insurance: (1) Insurance to cover loss but should be restored to approximately the same
losses above a certain amount, with losses below that financial position as existed before the loss.
amount usually covered by a regular policy. (2) Insurance l Insurable Interest: A condition in which the person
to cover an unusual or one-time risk, e.g., damage to a applying for insurance and the person who is to receive
musicians hands or the multiple perils of a convention, the policy benefit will suffer an emotional or financial
for which coverage is unavailable in the normal market. loss, if any untouched event occurs. Without insurable
l Exclusions: Specific conditions or circumstances for interest, an insurance contract is invalid.
which the policy will not provide benefits. l Insurability: All conditions pertaining to individuals that
l Facultative Reinsurance: A type of reinsurance in which affect their health, susceptibility to injury and life
the reinsurer can accept or reject any risk presented by expectancy; an individuals risk profile.
an insurance company seeking reinsurance. l Insurance: Social device for minimizing risk of uncertainty
regarding loss by spreading the risk over a large enough or share of surplus or the name or title for any policy or
number of similar exposures to predict the individual class of policies that does not in fact reflect its true nature.
chance of loss. l Money Back Policy: Unlike endowment plans, in money
l Insured: The person whose life is covered by a policy of back policies, the policy holder gets periodic survivance
insurance. payments during the term of the policy and a lumpsum
l Joint Life Endowment Assurance Plans: The sum amount on surviving its term. In the event of death
assured ( plus any accrued bonuses) under this type of during the term of the policy, the beneficiary gets the full
policy is payable on the end of the endowment term or sum assured, without any deductions for the amounts
on the first death of the two lives assured, whichever is paid till date, and no further premiums are required to be
earlier. Typically (though not a necessity) taken out by a paid.These type of policies are very popular, since they
couple, a variation is available for couples only. In this can be tailored to get large amounts at specific periods
case, the sum assured will be payable on first death and as per the needs of the policy holder.
then again on the second death (along with all vested l Moral Hazard: Risk depends on the need for insurance,
bonuses) if both deaths occur during the term of the state of health, personal habits standard of living and
policy. If one or both lives survive to the maturity date, income of insured peson. Moral hazard is the risk factors
the sum assured along with all vested bonuses will be that affects the decesion of the insurance company to
payable on maturity date. Premiums during this plan cease accept the risk.
on the first death or the expiry of the selected term, l Nomination: An act by which the policy holders

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whichever is earlier. Another variation provides for authorises another person to receive the policy moneys.
annuity to both/surviving spouse, or a lumpsum amount The person so authorised is called Nominee.
to the legal heirs. l Non-cancelable policies: Such policies stay in effect
l Keyman Insurance Policy: A life insurance policy taken regardless of whatever that might happen and as long as
by a person on the life of another person who is or was the premium is paid from time to time
his employee/connected to his business in any manner l Premium: The payment, or one of the regular periodic
whatsoever. payments, that a policy holder makes to an insurer in
l Lapsed Policy: A policy which has terminated and is no exchange for the insurers obligation to pay benefits upon
longer in force due to non-payment of the premium due the occurrence of the contractually-specified
l Limited Payment Life Policy: Premiums need to be paid contingency (e.g., death).
only for a certain number of years or until death if it l Premium Back Term Insurance Plans: These provide

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occurs within this period. Proceeds of the policy are for refund of all the premiums paid, in the event of th life
granted to the beneficiaries whenever death of the policy assured surviving to the end of the policy term. The
holder occurs. Again, this policy can also be of the with total sum assured is paid to the beneficiaries in the event
profits or without profits type. death occurs during the policy term.
l Loyalty Additions: The loyalty addition is given upon l Reinstatement: The restoration of a lapsed policy to in-
the maturity of the policy, and not before. Its a small force status. Reinstatement can only occur after the
percentage of the sum assured. Broadly speaking, loyalty expiration of the grace period. The company may require
addition is the difference between the performance, of evidence of insurability (and, if health status has changed,
the insurance company and the guaranteed additions. It deny reinstatement), and will always require payment of
is LICs effort to further share its surplus after valuation the total amount of past due premium.
with the policy holders, as LIC is a non-profit l Risk: The obligation assumed by the insurer when it
organization. issues a policy. The spreading of risk across a broad
l Life Assured: The person whose life is insured by an base of the population, adjusted for statistical
individual life policy is called life assured. probability, and the protection against catastrophic loss,
l Maturity: The date upon which the face amount of a life is the entire purpose of insurance. For risk assumption
insurance policy , if not previously invoked due to the purposes, death is viewed as a contingency. That is,
contingency covered (death), is paid to the policyholder. although death is certain, its timing is unknown. The
l Maturity Claim: The Payment to the policy holder at the process of evaluating and selecting risk is known as
end of the stipulated term of the policy is called maturity underwriting.
claim. l Salary Saving Scheme: This scheme provides for
l Misrepresentation: Act of making, issuing, circulating payment of premiums by money deduction from the
or causing to be issued or circulated an estimate, an salary of the employees by one employer.
illustration, a circular or a statement of any kind that l Sub Standard Risk: Person who is considered an under-
does not represent the correct policy terms, dividends average or impaired insurance risk because of physical
condition, family or personal history of disease, l Whole Life Policy: Premiums are paid throughout the
occupation, residence in unhealthy climate or dangerous life time of life assured . This can be with profits or without
habits. profits ( A with profit policy is eligible for various
l Surrender Value: The value payable to the policy holder bonuses declared by LIC every year, while a without
in the event of his deciding to terminate the policy before profits policy does not have this privilege )
the maturity of the policy. l With-Profit policy: Policies entitled to bonus, which is
l Survival Benefit: The payment of sum assured to the paid at the time of claim-death or maturity one with-profit
incured person which has become due by instalments policies.
under a money back policy. l Without-Profit policy: These policies are not entitled to
l Vesting Age: The age at which the receipt of pension particiapte in bonuses.
starts in an insurance-cum-pension plan.

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KUNDAN
Mock-Interviews
MODEL INTERVIEW NO. I conditions. We had purchased some stocks when the
market had quite bottomed out and now they paid us
(For the post of Bank Probationary Officer) dividends. In this respect I must admit that the decade-
long experience of my father bore fruit although the
Mr. Vimal Parkash Sharma is a dark-complexioned young
previous year he had erred grievously, which had resulted
man of average height. He has an attractive face whose
in the catastrophe.
charm is further enhanced because of his large shining black
Secondly, I was very serious and in right earnest I got counsel
eyes. He has a well-built body, a smiling face and pleasant
from a number of veteran brokers. I along with my father
manners. He seems to be a cheerful person, who is ready to
chalked out a strategy not to purchase shares in future
mix up with all kinds of people. He is a ready welcome in all
but to stick to our original business of sale and purchase
kinds of gathering of young people where jollity, repartee
of the clients only.
and tidbits are to be the fare. He has a thick layer of dark
Member 2: When you had quite set up your business, why
hair on his head which gives the impression of a wig. His
did you restart your studies?
thin line of black moustache is also well-groomed and
Sharma: Sir, I think higher education is a must for every

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probably waxed at the tips.
individual in whatever field or profession he may be.
Mr. Sharma is wearing a spotless cream-coloured suit
Moreover, my younger brother joined my father in his
with a snow-white shirt and a brown tie, which all match
business and you know two heads are better than one.
well with his general demeanour. His well-polished shining
Since I felt the business was now quite on the rails and
high-heeled black leather shoes make him walk softly but
there was never again a possibility of its derailment, I
majestically as he approaches with steady steps the empty
could easily feel carefree and restart my studies.
chair in front of the chairman. He greets the interview panel
Chairman: It means, supposing you are appointed to the
consisting of five members besides the chairman.
post you have applied for, you will still at the same time
The Interview be dabbling in the business of stocks and shares? Will it
not divert your attention from the precious official work?
Chairman: Be seated, please, Mr.Sharma.

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Sharma: No, Sir. I have no intention to indulge in this business.
Sharma: Thank you, Sir, (He sits down softly but with alacrity The business has never been to my taste. If it had not
without making any noticeable noise with his movement. been so, I would not have restarted my studies. At the
He is quite relaxed but heedful, being ready for the query time I had to exert myself in the business, it was a pressing
from the board.) necessity for the family.
Chairman: Mr. Sharma, I notice from your CV that there is a ((Comment: It is indeed highly admirable that Mr. Sharma has
break of one year in your academic career. Will you please killed two birds with one stone. Rather one should say, he
explain to us the reason? has suddenly earned so many plus points:
(Note: The readers should understand that whenever there is l He has clearly shown that he is a responsible person
a break in their studies, they are most likely to be put a who is ready to exert and sacrifice even his interest to
question in this regard). the maximum in case of a crisis. In the present case, he
Sharma: Sir, after I passed my Plus Two examination there acted like a Messiah for his family.
was sudden financial turmoil in our family. There was a l He has a great regard for his father and
sudden collapse of my fathers business of stocks and understandably for all of his elders and is ready to
shares. So, as per the exigency of the hour, I had to cut come to their help in case of dire need.
short my studies and work with my father to drive the wolf l He considers education to be very important for every
from the door. individual and makes the right impression about it on
Member 1: Mr. Sharma, the next year you restarted your the members of the board.
studies. Were you able to raise the financial status of l It is quite clear that Mr. Sharma is a highly reliable and
your family to a considerable extent in just one year? very intelligent young man, otherwise his father would
Sharma: Sir, two points are involved here. On the one hand, not have taken him with himself in such a risky business
I have always considered myself a lucky person, the reality as the stock market in which it is almost impossible for
being that the stocks rose sharply towards the end of the a green hand to come out successful.
year because of favourable national and international l Mr. Sharma proved his real worth of doing and tackling
a ticklish problem by studying all its pros and cons easier said than done. In other words, this may not come
and exploring all avenues for success. It should not be off so easily. To make it easier, motivation is required just
difficult for such a young man to deal with any kind of as we need a catalyst in a chemical reaction to make it
situation or problem, howsoever complex it may be. easier, quicker and better. Thus motivation improves
l Mr. Sharma, even while being successful in business, education dramatically by opening vast vistas before the
has shown a clear preference for service by applying young eyes and thus maintains their tastes, boosts up
for the job of a probationary officer. their morale and goads them to do better and better in
l By talking of his favourable luck, Mr. Sharma has shown studies.
a number of positive qualities in himself: Member 1: Modern studies are varied and complex. Can
(a) Positive outlook motivation play some role in this respect?
(b)Optimism Sharma: Even if the subjects are varied and sometimes seem
(c) Humility to be of different categories altogether, yet there are always
(d)Honesty of purpose. some common or overlapping points. It is because all
(Remember: Just talking of luck may not be a plus point knowledge like energy is basically unified and is one.
unless it fits in the context). Moreover, motivation strings together even disparate
Note to the readers: It should be borne in mind that the panel skills, potential, and competence. If a student has an
although greatly impressed may not make up its mind to aptitude only for a particular type of knowledge or skill,
offer him the job just for such a diplomatic answer. The the spirit of motivation generates in him an aptitude or
members of the panel are veterans and they know that a attitude for other skills or fields of knowledge which now
candidate can be cunning or clever and can bluff them become easily perceptible to be allied or branching out of

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with his lies although they have got an inkling that Mr. the originally tasteful skill or knowledge. Thus, motivation
Sharma does not belong to such a category.)) strikes a balance between self-expression and self-restraint.
Chairman: Well, Mr. Sharma, you have, one can say, Chairman: How can this motivation be brought about
sacrificed a roaring business for education. Do you really among the students?
feel education to be such an important thing? Sharma: Sir, to be practical or pragmatic, motivation must be
Sharma: Sir, in my opinion a man without education is no considered as a three-tier system:
different from an animal. (a) Home, that is parents,
Member 4: What do you think to be the most important (b)School,
thing for success in education? (c) Teachers.
Sharma: Motivation is the one most important factor in the Member 2: Will you please explain this system enunciated

KUNDAN
matter of education. Motivation is essential not only in by you?
the field of education but also in the realms of industry, Sharma: The education of every child starts at home. The
management, leadership development programmes, first teacher of every child is his mother and then his father
personality development and human resources and other members of his family or his other teachers. In
development. As far as students are concerned, lack of other words, the first instructions of his parents and the
motivation results in distraction from studies, which in atmosphere at home have a lasting impression on the mind
turn creates secondary problems like absenting oneself of a child.
from the educational institution or going there late without Member 1:What do you think about the role of the school in
any motive or aim in mind. moulding a childs personality?
Member 3: How will you define this motivation of which you Sharma: Sir, a child remains in the school only for a few
are talking now? hours. During this period the teacher checks the students
Sharma: Sir, this idea of motivation is based on the research homework, teaches them new lessons and gives them new
in education which is going on. Motivation is an essential homework for the next day. It is quite clear that the main
component of learning which is complementary as well as thrust at school is towards imparting intellectual
supplementary to intellectual knowledge. There are three knowledge, which is not the same as personality. The
main factors which determine learning. They are : limited effort towards infusing the spirit of such qualities
(a) The need of the moment as discipline, hard work, honesty, sincerity, truthfulness,
(b)An eager desire or drive for learning. courage, etc is only half-hearted or marginal.
(c) An appropriate goal or aim to be achieved. Chairman: Mr. Sharma, you have separated in your
Member 1: To what can this idea or motivation in learning motivation theory the role of the teacher from that of the
be compared? school. Are these not the teachers who teach the students
Sharma: Sir, of course the students go to a school or college at school in the classrooms?
to get and increase intellectual knowledge. But that is
Sharma: Sir, your question is very apt and interesting and to uplift of weaker sections of society. Certain ways and
me it seems amazing also. It is because classroom teaching means should be explored whereby the small investors,
is based on the syllabi which are framed not by the class who generally comprise weaker sections and backward
teachers but by some senior bosses or the so-called classes, can be given slightly higher rates of interest
academicians or academic experts and sometimes even by on their deposits. This may look odd to traditional
bureaucrats sitting long distance away. But every class economists, but will require a little foresight with
teacher makes an indelible mark on the young minds. In empathy.
fact, the teacher is the role model to the students. It is for 3. Liberal loans should be given for such purposes as
this reason that a teacher should be well-trained and housing, agriculture, poultry, bee-farming, fish-farming,
himself highly motivated to leave a good and positive etc.
impression on the students so that they become good 4. The wards of weaker sections of society should be
and useful citizens in life. In fact, the quality of education given low-interest education loans.
can not be improved unless the quality of teacher training 5. Certain professionals who are very useful to society
is improved. At present, we have the National Council of such as doctors, radiologists, physiotherapists, etc
Teacher Education. Unfortunately, so far not much has should be given liberal loans for purchase of
been done by this body. Nor even by the NCERT in this equipment.
connection. The efforts of UGC at the college level have 6. The banks should encourage exports by giving loans
gone some way but not much. to the traders concerned.

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Member 5: All right, Mr. Sharma. We are glad to hear all 7. Working hours in banks should be increased while
this. Now please tell us the major economic problems holidays should be decreased.
which our country faces at the present moment. ((Comment: The candidate is wise enough not to talk about
Sharma: Sir, there are so many of such problems. I shall name the raise in emoluments of the bank staff. Instead, he
only a few of them: talks of increase of working hours and reduction of
1. Uncontrollable population holidays. It is clear that he is more interested in work
2. A runaway rate of prices than just in salary or benefits.))
3. Unemployment Member 3: Mr. Sharma, what is your opinion about
4. Acute shortage of housing emoluments of bank employees?
5. Mammoth poverty Sharma: Sir, I think the bank employees and, for that matter,
6. Illiteracy all employees in all departments should get decent

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7. Lack of medical facilities salaries so that they can make both ends meet in a nice
Then, Sir, there are certain problems which are more social way. But I am not in favour of high salaries which are
and ethical in nature: incommensurate with ones work. As far as banks are
1. Large-scale corruption concerned, I think already a well-established system is
2. Adulteration there which ensures logical increase in bank employees
3. Child abuse salaries vis--vis rise in price index from time to time. I
4. Drug abuse, etc. find this system quite adequate and need not suggest
There are certain problems like unstable government at the any change in this system.
Centre, etc, which affect us almost in every walk of life. Member 2: What is your opinion about the unions of bank
Chairman: Now can you, Mr. Sharma, tell us how banks can employees?
serve the society in a better manner? Sharma: Sir, I think the government is sometimes too rigid or
Sharma: Sir, in this connection much effort is already being callous in certain matters pertaining to employees. This
made. I can also give several suggestions but I shall causes discontent among them and they need a union
mention only a few: to highlight their problems and demands. As far as
1. Loans should be given to the unemployed, particularly banks are concerned, as I have already stated, a good
the educated unemployed, at low rates of interest to system of regular hike in salaries is already in vogue.
enable them to start their own small industrial units or Therefore, I do not feel much necessity for bank
some other self-employment schemes. Some part of employees unions unless they are to be there on paper.
the loan amount may be regarded as subsidy. Chairman: Then it means you are out and out against a
2. The banks should start certain schemes in such a way bank employees union?
that the depositors are given certain gifts or incentives. Sharma: No sir, that is not so. What I mean is that when a
This will create among the general public a habit of satisfactory system of Government and employees
saving. The money thus deposited in the banks can be agreement already exists, there is no need to give pin-
utilised for national reconstruction and schemes for pricks to it by raising unnecessary and frequent
demands. It is common knowledge that the funds with a doctor, an engineer, a microbiologist or go into any other
the government are limited. Already, a huge portion of profession concerned with science subjects.
the exchequer goes into the payment of salaries and Member 1: Then why did you not go in for civil services at
perks to the staff and very little is left for real national the central or state level?
reconstruction purposes. However, as I have already Kumar: Sir, I could not get first class in my graduation and I
said, the employees should be decently paid and if in though it would be just a waste of time on my part to try
this respect the government dithers or becomes callous for higher posts.
or tyrannical, the necessity of an employees union Member 2: Then your aim in life is to be just a clerk?
does arise as no individual has a bargaining power on Kumar: No Sir, that is not the case. I just want an entry. I
his own. know there are several departmental examinations and I
Chairman: All right Mr. Sharma. You can go. am sure with hard work and perseverance, I shall be able
Sharma: Thank you, Sir. (He rises from his chair with a broad to get through them and rise to be an assistant, a head
smile across his face and twinkle in his eyes. He makes clerk, a superintendent, an accountant or even an accounts,
the minimum noise while leaving the room.) audit or personnel officer.
((Comment 1: It may seem strange to ask such a candidate so Member 3: But I fear you are afraid of hard work as you said
many questions concerning education but the question in the case of science subjects.
is that of sustaining argument on any matter that comes Kumar: No Sir, I did not mean that I am afraid of office work
forth. also. I have got diploma in secretarial practices including
Comment 2: Mr. Sharma comes clean out of fiscal and typing, filing, drafting, prcis writing, coding, shorthand
establishment-related questions also. His result must etc. I have also been working as a clerk in a firm for the last

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be on the expected lines only, as he has remained six months.
positive and unbiased all along.)) Member 4: Why do you want to leave that job ?
Kumar: Sir, that is a very small firm and there are no chances
MODEL INTERVIEW NO.II of promotion there.
Member 3: Is there any other reason for this change ?
(For Bank Clerk) Kumar: Sir, to be frank, I am not quite satisfied with the salary
Mr. M.R.Kumar is a young man of medium stature with a and perks I get there.
slight hunch on his back. He has combed his black tresses Member 2: What would you like to say about the atmosphere
falling a little above his shoulders in a stylish manner. He in the firm?
has half-moustaches below his snub nose. He has dark Kumar: Sir, the atmosphere there is quite good but, of late,

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brown colour with prominent cheek bones. His chin is flat. the firm is facing an acute shortage of funds and is finding
He is wearing a white shirt with a golden pen conspicuously it difficult even to pay regular salaries to the staff.
visible in his pocket. He is wearing a pair of gray jeans and Member 3: Do you feel any possibility of retrenchment?
black shoes with laces well-knotted. He enters the room Kumar: Sir, I do fear this possibility and I feel I should act
with peering eyes and approaches the empty chair lying in before the mishap takes place.
front of the Chairman. Member 2: That seems wise on your part but do you feel that
the management there is not quite good?
The Interview Kumar: Sir, I do not think so. The management should not be
Mr. Kumar wishes the chairman and three members of the blamed for all this crisis. Unlike managements of so many
board with a little bow of his head. other firms, the management of my firm has tried its best
Chairman: Sit down, Mr. Kumar. and is still trying its best to keep the firm going on soundly.
Kumar: Thank you, Sir.(He sits down in the chair without Member 1: Can you spell out some reason for the financial
making much noise.) crisis the firm is facing ?
Chairman: Mr. Kumar, I learn from your bio-data that you Kumar: Sir, it is because of sudden change in the government
got good marks in science subjects at school. Then why policy. The imposition of new duties on the finished goods
did you not take up these subjects at college? To make it of the firm has almost neutralised all the profits of the
clear, I mean why did you take up arts subjects instead of company. So, it is just a matter of conjecture how long the
science at college? management can pay salaries etc to the staff from its own
Kumar: Sir, frankly speaking, I had to work very hard for pocket, when even the reserves have almost been depleted.
science subjects at school. Somehow, I realised that it Member 3: Dont you feel some lack of foresight on the part
would not be possible for me to do so well in science of your firm for not foreseeing the possibility of new taxes
subjects at college. Moreover, I had no intention to become or duties you have just mentioned?
Kumar: Sir, it is the result of the government having suddenly take personal interest in the matter which is either
signed some clause in the World Trade Organisation extremely urgent or has been inordinately delayed.
agreement which had to be implemented with immediate 9. Towards the end of the letter the sender usually writes
effect. Moreover, I do not think it ethically correct to blame such words as:
anybody in the firm which I am contemplating to leave. In (i) With deep regards,
any case, grumbling against or blaming anybody for any (ii) With high regards,
failure is beyond the ken of my mind. I am concerned only (iii) With best regards.
with my own duties which I must perform most 10.The ordinary official letter ends with the signatures of
conscientiously. the sending officials. The DO definitely mentions the
Member 2: Mr.Kumar, will you please let us know what is a name of the sending officer with his signature.
DO? 11.In the ordinary official letter, no complimentary
Kumar: Sir, the full expression is Demi-official letter. Often expression is given or if it is given, it is Yours faithfully
the word letter is dropped and it is called in brief a DO. or Yours truly. But in the DO the expression is Yours
Member 1: When is it written and what is its significance? faithfully or Sincerely yours. Rarely, it may be Yours
Kumar: Sir, all official correspondence is done through official very sincerely as in a letter to a friend.
letters which have a specifically set format. Sometimes, Member 4: You have mentioned gardening as your hobby in
the correspondence at the lower level, for example, between your CV. You must be able to say something about fruit-
two class III officials like head clerks, superintendents, growing in India?

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accountants etc, does not bear fruit as it is taken in routine. Kumar: Sir, like any other branches of horticulture, fruit-
Then the matter gets at higher level between class I or production involves specialised skills in harvesting and
class II officers. Sometimes it so happens that even this marketing, canning and processing. Fruit plants per unit
correspondence just remains unattended in routine. Then area yield returns comparable to any agricultural crop.
one officer writes a letter to his counterpart on the other The multiple cropping system in orchards also generates
end as if it were a personal letter. more jobs and additional income.
Member 3: Then why is it called a demi-official letter? Member 2: Will you please say something about production
Kumar: Sir, it is so because the real purpose of the letter is to and consumption of fruits in India?
get some official information in the senders official Kumar: Sir, the total area under fruit in India is estimated to
capacity. But the format is like that of a personal letter. be 3.23 million hectares. India is the largest producer of
Member 2: How does a demi-official letter differ from an fruits in the world. Yet the per capita consumption of fruits

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ordinary official letter? in India is the lowest. That is, only 60 grammes per day as
Kumar: Sir, in the ordinary official letter neither the name of compared to the 250 to 450 grammes per day of developed
the sender nor that of the recipient is given but it carries countries. The average per capita consumption of fruits
only the name of the office concerned on a letterhead or per day even in developing countries is 100-120 grammes.
otherwise. A large quantity of fruit in India gets destroyed because
Member 3: Can you point out any other difference between of lack of modern storing and packing systems.
the two kinds of letters? Member 5: What do you think about the nutrition value of
Kumar: Sir, I will just mention a few differences: fruits?
1. On the DO it is clearly mentioned that it is a DO letter Kumar: Sir, fruits contain large amount of vitamins and
with a separate series of numbers. minerals besides fibrous matter. As such, their daily and
2. The DO gives the name of the sending officer and his regular intake is essential for us. Our health, to a great
designation. extent, depends upon the intake of fruit.
3. The DO letter mentions the date as usual. Member 5: How can fruit production be increased?
4. In the DO the recipient officer is addressed My dear Kumar: More area should be brought under fruit-growing.
or Dear Mr. as in a personal or friendly letter. Arrangements on government loan basis and through
5. In the DO letter the name of the recipient officer is private efforts should be made for proper use of fertilisers,
generally written by the sending officer with his own insecticides etc. New, fast-growing and more luxuriant
hand instead of its being typed or computerised. varieties should be evolved through scientific research.
6. The language of the DO letter is very polite and has a Member 1: These days it is very common to use letters of
friendly or familiar tone. alphabet to stand for certain persons, things or qualities.
7. In the DO letter the urgency of the letter is brought For example, the letter C is often used to represent
home to the recipient officer in a suitable tone and three components of a venture clients, candidates and
language at personal level. consultants. What three qualities essential for an official
8. The DO letter in effect urges the recipient officer to can you present with the letter C ?
Kumar: Sir, I can say, Competence, Confidence and highest authority of our country should have to bow before
Commitment. them. And then there should be a cultural and moral
((Comment: The candidate has a good grasping power and is revolution so that we can keep our urge for doing
a quick-witted person. He has grasped a lengthy question something for our country at the boiling point.
in a moment and answered it spontaneously.)) Member 4: Can you give any concrete example how the
Chairman: All right, Mr.Kumar you may go now. politicians take special advantage of their power?
Kumar: Thank you, Sir. (He rises noiselessly and goes out Dhummal: Ours is a power-drunk world and money brings all
steadily in a confident mood. He has slight misgivings such materials to fuel the fire. Every heart is thumping
which are subdued by his overwhelming self-confidence. with a grooved desire for money and power. These special
He is convinced that he is quite suited to the job and will men take the advantage of their high say in society and
deservedly be taken.) spread their business across the globe. They put their
Comment: Mr. Kumars final assessment of himself may turn shares in top-class companies. If the company wants some
out to be correct. favour or special treatment, it has to come under the roof
of these political freebooters where a deal is struck for
MODEL INTERVIEW NO. III mutual benefit of the company and the freebooter
concerned and the interests of the country are pushed
(For Bank Probationary Officer) under the carpet, maybe for ever. This is just one example,
Mr. Ramesh Dhummal is an M.A. Economics in the first Sir.
division. He has come for an interview for the post of a Bank Member 3: Where do these members keep their stained
money?

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Probationary Officer. He is a tall handsome young man with
a thick growth of hair on his head and likewise over his Dhummal: Sir, in India they can keep it anywhere and it is
lips. He has shining pink cheeks and bluish-dark bright rarely that they are questioned. We know one union
eyes. His lower lip is slightly protruded forward. He has a minister had dumped currency notes even in the foam of
long thick neck. He is dressed in dark gray suit with a brace his sofas. Where has the money from all scams gone?
belt well-fixed within the loops of his trousers. His sky blue Why has it not been recovered? Has any big gun been
neck-tie suits him quite well and enhances his outward punished? We all know about Swiss banks.
appearance. Mr. Dhummal is a jovial fellow who can be Member 4: What do you want to say about Swiss banks?
acceptable in any social gathering. At the same time, he has Dhummal: Pitiably, Sir, the international community has never
a highly reflective mind which gets hyperactivated when he asked the Swiss government to wind up their banks with
indulges in any serious talk. His shining black shoes lend a secret codes which encourage global corruption on a large

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charm to his gait as he marches with regular steps across scale. Probably, politicians the world over have a vested
the floor of the room to reach the panel table. interest in Swiss banks.
Member 1: Can you say some words about the IMF?
The Interview Dhummal: Sir, the term IMF stands for International
On reaching the empty chair in front of the chairman, wishes Monetary Fund. The Fund was established in 1944 as a
the chairman and five members of the board with a slight bow part of an agreement among the major capitalist powers.
and with a smile. Its role was to facilitate convertible exchange by providing
Chairman: Be seated, Mr. Dhummal. temporary assistance to countries which had depleted
Dhummal: Thank you, Sir. (He sits down softly in his chair.) their foreign exchange reserves. This allowed them to
Chairman: What do you think about modern society? pursue high growth and full employment through a low-
Dhummal: Sir, modern society is a false society, which is interest rate policy. It was an era when capital controls
tumbling on its pseudo pads as it is causing poverty and were permitted and the IMF was actually by mandate to
misery through its luxurious way of life. Unless we adopt ask for such controls if deemed necessary or desirable.
immediate remedial measures the future generation will The IMF, it appears, has never requested capital controls
have to live with the back-breaking burden of repaying nor suspended credits even when there was a large or
the debts we are incurring. sustained outflow of capital.
Member 2: How can this society be brought on the right Member 5: What is the present position of the IMF?
path? Dhummal: At present it acts as an enforcer of strict discipline
Dhummal: Sir, the first and the most important step in this for international banks and financial institutions instead
direction is to make strict laws that plug all loopholes of itself being a lender of last resort. First, it encourages
through which the powerful men of the society squeeze the Third World countries to borrow and when they exceed
themselves out even after doing devastating damage to their limit credit, it takes over as an enforcement agency. It
society. Then laws should be so enforced that even the is extremely brutal in its tactics.
Member 3: How can you say the IMF is brutal in its tactics? are not necessarily eco-tourists. However, eco-tourism
Dhummal: Sir, the IMF is brutal in the sense that it refuses to certainly needs a spirit of adventure, especially when
allow supplicant countries to impose capital control. It negotiating bad roads. Eco-tourism covers a broad
may force them to raise interest rates to attract foreign spectrum plants, forests, animals in the wild, underwater
investment. It may also force Governments to reduce life, coral reefs, national parks, etc. The World Heritage
expenditures for health and education. Food subsidies, in Convention of UNESCO has declared world heritage sites
most cases, have to be eliminated. Instead of growing to preserve and protect our natural and cultural heritage.
food for its own citizens, the government is coerced into When both nature and culture are present together, it is
growing crops for export in order to earn the US dollars to an attractive combination.
repay the IMF. Member 3: How do you think can eco-tourism have positive
Member 2: Then what is your opinion of the IMF? effect on environment?
Dhummal: Sir, I do not have many good words for the IMF. Dhummal: An unregulated and haphazard resort to eco-
The IMF has a strange logic. Instead of recommending or tourism can be harmful instead of beneficial. But regulated
at least permitting capital controls to mitigate the eco-tourism can have several positive effects on the
consequences of massive inflows and outflows of capital, environment. Since tourist operators have a vested interest
the IMF takes the opposite position on the pretext that in maintaining the environmental quality of tourist
global financial markets reduce the cost of capital and destinations, they are becoming increasingly interested
permit a better allocation of resources worldwide. in collaborating with those who work to protect the

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Member 4: Can you give any concrete example of the failure environment. Income from tourism can also assist in the
of the IMF premises? development and improvement of facilities such as
Dhummal: Sir, the failure of Mexican economy and South- sanitation systems for residents and tourists alike.
East Asian financial crisis are the living examples of this Member 5: When was Vana Mahotsava or Grow More
failure. Trees Movement started?
Member 1: What are the future plans of the IMF? Dhummal: Sir, Vana Mahotsava means the festival of trees.
Dhummal: As far as I can contemplate, the IMF is going to It was started by Mr. K.M.Munshi, the then Agriculture
land the poor nations in a still deeper mire when it is seeking Minister, in 1950.
global authority over the ability of governments to control Member 1: What are the adverse effects of large-scale felling
capital inflows and outflows, including the power to of trees?
demand full capital account liberalisation from the member- Dhummal: Sir, due to large-scale felling of trees, the carbon

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countries. In other words, the IMF is now seeking control dioxide content of the air and the atmospheric temperature
of the world economy. is increasing. Due to the destruction of forests, the rivers
Member 3: Then do you think the IMF has outlived its utility? and rivulets are drying up and the water table is going
Dhummal: This is what I actually believe, Sir. down. Floods, droughts and soil erosion by water and
Member 2: Then what do you propose? wind are making the land barren, also leading to shortage
Dhummal: I propose, Sir, that the debt from the poorest of fodder and precious herbs.
countries should be written off or adjusted against the Member 5: Do you know how much area should be under
IMF assets and the remaining part of the latter should be forest cover according to our National Forest Policy?
transferred to the World Bank. Dhummal: Sir, according to our National Forest Policy, 1988,
Member 1: In other words, you mean that the IMF should be one-third of the total geographical area should be under
wound up? forest cover.
Dhummal: Exactly, Sir. This is what I mean. Member 1: How much area at present is under forest cover?
Member 4: There is much talk about the overwhelming Dhummal: It differs from state to state. Whereas it is enough
significance of tourism. Can you spell out briefly the in the sparsely populated eastern states, it is extremely
difference between eco-tourism, nature tourism and low in northern much populated states. The overall picture
adventure tourism? Why do some protagonists of eco- is very grim.
tourism project it as being better than the other two? Member 2: How can forests be protected?
Dhummal: Eco-tourism respects the environment and Dhummal: They can be protected with the full cooperation
encourages and promotes the well-being of local people. of the local people. Moreover, deterrent punishments
Nature tourism may or may not do this. Eco-tourism is should be given to persons who fell trees, including those
also not to be confused with adventure sports or even of the Forest Department whose primary duty is to protect
snow skiing, amusement parks, etc, which in fact might the forests, and not to destroy them. It is sad on their part
have a negative impact on the environment. Eco-tourists that they often act as predators rather than protectors.
like to go around in a low impact way. Adventure tourists
Member 2: How has the Green Revolution failed to tackle confidence besides standard equipment and right choice
the problem of malnutrition? of objects depending upon ones aptitude.
Dhummal: Sir, to say that mere availability of cereals or staple Member 2: Besides being pursued as a hobby, photography
food is enough is fallacious. According to the President is being practised nowadays as profession on a large
of the Nutrition Foundation of India, the Green Revolution scale. Will you please name a few types of photography
only resulted in an increase in production of staple cereals now in vogue?
like rice and wheat, which is hardly sufficient for a nation Dhummal: Sir, now we have Advertising Photography,
which is expected to meet the challenges of a competitive Fashion Photography, Food Photography, Forensic
world. The Green Revolution helped tackle the florid Photography, Industrial Photography, Press Photography,
clinical manifestation of severe malnutrition like pellagra Wildlife Photography and so on.
and goitre. They have now been replaced by varying Member 1: Why do some people prefer to be freelance
degrees of stunting, anaemia and a variety of other photographers?
deficiencies. The data revealed that while infant mortality Dhummal: It is because they want freedom to shoot anything
could be tackled to a great extent through improved child- according to their own sweet will. Moreover, they can set
care strategies, little attention was paid to a related aspect up their own studios wherein they may earn more than
although it is well-known that for the further growth of the those employed with an organisation.
survivors, tackling malnutrition has to begin at the Member 3: You must be aware that a bank officers job is full
conception stage and carried through the developing of stress and strain.
years. In other words, if an expectant mother is not Dhummal: I am aware of that, Sir.
provided rich diet at the right time, it may not be of much Member 3: It is common knowledge that stress is the bane of

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use afterwards either to the mother or the child. modern society. Will you please say something about it?
Member 4: Then what do you suggest? Dhummal: Sir, the famous stress physiologist, Hans Selye,
Dhummal: I suggest that maximum attention should be given would have us believe that stress is observed in the entire
to the nutrition of expectant mothers and infants. animal kingdom. When an animal is faced with a stressful
Member 3: In a note attached to your CV, you have stated situation or a challenge, it reacts either by flight (runs
that habitually you take a keen interest in new studies away), fright (it frightens the enemy) or fight (it actually
and sciences making their presence in the Indian physically fights with the invader).
education system. Can you please mention any such new The situation with human beings is more complex
science or study and tell what it connotes? than the simple flight, fright or fight equation. By virtue
Dhummal: Sir, biostatistics is one such study which is still of their education, status in society, social responsibilities,

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taking shape in India. It is a multi-faceted field. One aspect they can not resolve their stressful situations simply by
involves studying the risk factors which lead to the the avenues used by animals.
development of a disease. This is done by identifying and Member 2: What in your opinion are the causes of stress?
assessing the sample which includes both patients and Dhummal: Sir, the causes of stress are numerous and complex.
controls. The procedure includes data collection, data They vary from person to person. Briefly, it may be said
management and data analysis. The real skill of a that negative emotions like excessive desire, greed, anger,
statistician lies in the accurate analysis of a mass of data. hatred, vanity, corrupt thoughts, excessive exertion
Member 5: Will you please tell us briefly what else do the physical as well as mental angst, excessive attachment,
bio-statisticians do? excessive materialism, lack of faith, lack of optimistic
Dhummal: Sir, biostatisticians also analyse clinical trials of outlook, introversion and numerous others can be the
new medicines before they are released into the market. causes of stress. A life of hurry, worry and curry may be
There are three phases of trials: the first step is to check the root cause.
the toxicity of new drugs on volunteers; the next step is to Member 1: What are the harms of stress?
study the economic viability of the drug; and the last step Dhummal: It can cause irreparable damage to the nervous
is deciding upon the exact dosage. The biostatisticians system and cardio-vascular system.
perform all these assessments. Member 2: How can it be got rid of?
Member 4: Mr. Dhummal, you have said that photography Dhummal: First of all, it should not be allowed to find a place
is your hobby. Will you please tell us what qualities are in our mind. But once we notice it, we must remove the
essential to be a good photographer? causes as early as possible, before it can cause devastating
Dhummal: Sir, to be a good photographer one must have harm to us. In all cases blood pressure must be kept under
good colour vision, visual imagination, observation control. One should try to develop a positive, healthy
powers, an eye for detail, a sense of composition to judge attitude and avoid anger and worry.
the right look, creativity, alertness, will power and self- Member 3: Do you think stress can lead to depression also?
Dhummal: Sir, I am no physician or psychologist but I think Member 3: Can you mention some most fantastic types of
both stress and loneliness lead to depression. cult among them?
Member 3: Do you think wealth can save man from Dhummal: Sir, while there are innumerable examples of these
depression? queer cults and communes on the west coast of America,
Dhummal: I do not think so, Sir. For example, in western there are the garbage-eater members, who wearing long
countries, these are mostly the affluent, even well-educated hairs and backpacks, rummage through the dumpsters for
people, who often fall a prey to depression. supper and salvation. Led by Jim Roberts, an ex-marine
Member 2: Can you quote any examples? and former preacher, the group believes in Jesus, its
Dhummal: Sir, a few years ago a former mayor and city members painstakingly remove all traces of mould from
journalist in Canada who belonged to the order of the the eatable garbage and dine on the rotting scraps of the
Solar Temple committed suicide along with several other material world they disdain.
persons of the cult. Chairman: You may go now, Mr. Dhummal.
Member 1: What kind of cult are you talking of ? Dhummal: Thank you, Sir. (Mr. Dhummal walks out of the
Dhummal: Sir, there are several kinds of cults like Diet cults, room with a smiling face.)
Martial Arts cults, Bible cults etc. in America and some ((Comment: There is no doubt that Mr. Dhummal has an
other western countries which are the result of sheer awareness of the world around him. Perhaps he is a
depression. They are misled by self-styled prophets. voracious reader. His interest in a study of mass suicide
Member 5: What did you mean by group suicide which you may reflect a perverted or morbid mind. But that seems to

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just mentioned? be a part of his material for jokes. His pessimistic outlook
Dhummal: Sir, in countries like the USA, Canada, Switzerland, is somewhat reflected in his view of the IMF and Indian
France, Japan etc there are several cults, among them politicians. But that can also mean that he has a realistic or
Heavens Gate, which encourage the members to commit pragmatic outlook and as such his mind can not be swayed
mass suicides. by such things as sloganeering, mere notions, fetishes,
Member 1: How do they encourage them in doing so? etc. His interest in Vana Mahotsava and tourism is a
Dhummal: They instil into their minds that they would thus strong positive point. Although he has a number of plus
go straight to Heaven and attain salvation. Now, it is learnt points, yet the board may have to weigh his views and
that even the internet has become so God-like to the online arguments carefully. More so since his lighter side
impressionable that they become easy victims to cult remains almost unreflected.))
recruiters and this is, indeed, a matter of great concern.

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