How did you get into the MSP program?
Well that’s quite a story. I was the kind of kid who never believed in miracles but now I do. When I dig into the memories of the selection procedure it feels nothing less than a miracle, as if entire universe was conspiring to make me an MSP. It all started with a video shared by my friend on Facebook which was titled Microsoft Student Partners.
I wanted to meet an MSP and feel the vibrant attitude that was till now concealed in text. Suddenly one day I heard in my college that a session on APP development is going to be organised post lunch. I had my opportunity. Two vibrant folks Sai Kiran and Sai Kiran Rathan took the session and I sat right there in the first row totally mesmerized. Now I had the motivation which I required. With unprecedented motivation and high spirits I set out on my voyage and after four months of hard work I was proclaimed as a MSP. With the power of will, vision and Visual Studio everything is possible.
Tell us about your experience as a MSP?
This is the toughest question that I ever came across in my life. Not because I don’t know the answer, but because I cannot find any combination of letters or words that could serve the purpose of explaining how marvellous it is to be a MSP. The most precious thing that this MSP program gave me is an opportunity to collaborate with wonderful people and befriend them, whom I couldn’t have even met otherwise. Once you get access to MSP network, it’s like getting access to an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. Unlimited Knowledge, Unlimited Opportunities and Unlimited Fun.
What is your role as a MSP?
That’s an easy one, thanks to Bhaskar Puppala, who in my first MSP meeting itself gave a two word answer to this question. It’s LEARN and SHARE. This is what MSP is all about. The learning and sharing might be at different magnitudes for different people. But the concept remains simple, LEARN and SHARE.
What age were you when you developed a love for technology?
I have always been a techie, curious enough to explore things by diving deep into the concepts. I got introduced to computer when I was 10 years old. It was basically a Pentium-I processor powered computer. By the time I was 15 I learned enough techniques to bypass that login screen of Windows XP. So to put an end to my “overexposure” to computer my parents decided to put a BIOS password in hope that I would not be able to tweak it. I secretly started searching for a solution. Where there is a will there is a way. I found my way, I tweaked it. And at this point I developed love for it. As a matter of fact my parents found a way around which I couldn’t tweak. They simply removed mouse and keyboard and kept it in their custody!!! That was a smart move I must admit.
Have you built any apps?
Yes, I have built a couple of apps. With Visual Studio 2012, creating apps is no longer a coding task. Now app development is a form of art where one can use all his expressions to give apps a lively touch, make it a true masterpiece. I came across several obstacles (errors, bugs, etc.). But with every error, every bug my knowledge expanded and skills strengthened. Remember, obstacles are not agents that make you slow. Rather they help you grow. When you seek solution to one problem you learn at least a few things that you did not know earlier. So keep troubling the trouble until it stops troubling you!
I would like to mention about two of my apps, one is ICE (In Case of Emergency) and the other is Hand mudras. ICE is a collection of emergencies in which a quick reference might be necessary. Keep this app, it is free and might prove handy someday. HandMudras is an app with collection of hand mudras (a form of yoga) for betterment of your health. You can perform them anywhere.
Do you have any advice you for students who are interested in getting involved in the MSP program?
Well it needs more than interest to be an MSP, it needs ABSOLUTE PASSION! So choose your technology, get appropriate SDK and start right away. But remember being a MSP is a great honour and a great responsibility as well. You can have the honour but you’ll have to fulfil the responsibilities with utmost sincerity. Success will be all yours if you are patient, optimistic and enjoy what you do. Wish you all happy coding.
Feel free to contact me on Facebook or on twitter at @pujithb. So who’s up for an adventure? This is Pujith Bhargav signing out.