In August 1996, I joined
IBM India, (which was called Tata Information Systems Ltd. in those days) as a software engineer. I focused mainly on Lotus Notes and Java, and became a project leader in a year-and-half. Like most software engineers, life was filled with deadlines, the occasional trip abroad, treats, movies, late-night browsing, missed meals, and complete lack of social life (to the point where I saw the sun once a month). I loved it! Looks like IBM loved me too. Apart from the fact that I have several wonderful friends there, they also awarded me the "IBM Way" award.