Software Engineer, Echostar Data Networks

I have been working full-time as a software engineer for EDN, an engineering division of Echostar, since May 2004. My responsibilities include developing software for Dish Network's set-top boxes, providing input for hardware design, implementing new features, resolving any issues that arise in field-deployed set-top boxes.

I have been a key member of a small engineering group developing driver, application and user-level software for Dish Network's Mpeg2 HD single-tuner project, the 811 set-top box. The 811 is currently deployed in over half a million US and Canadian households, delivering highest quality HD programming.

In short order, I have developed expertise in key areas of set-top box development including analog and digital off-air broadcast, QPSK/8PSK modulation and switching, IR/UHF remote communication, flash driver, I2C bus specification, digital video transmission (DVB/PSI) standard, software multi-threading and the watchdog task. I have used my expertise in off-air broadcasting (PSIP) issues to produce a technical white paper for all Dish Network STBs detailing solutions for possible off-air broadcast encoding, transmission and decoding errors. I have been instrumental in greatly reducing customer calls and set-top box (STB) return rate and helped achieve high customer satisfaction.

Co-Founder & General Partner, VeNos Investments

I am the co-founder and general partner of VeNos Investments, a private partnership. The partnership was started to gain experience in investing personal and client assets, to learn and share knowledge about business, management, economics, and finance.

Partners are required to set personal and collective goals periodically to gain knowledge in a relevant areas by reading books, articles, research papers, taking courses and getting certifications such as the CFA. At the same time, the partnership expects to double the value of partners' capital every five years, requiring an average compounded annual return of 14.9%. Client money is invested after developing a risk-return profile for each client and reevaluating it periodically. The partnership is currently in the process of investing accumulated capital in domestic securities and international ETFs.

Check out VeNos Investments' Blog

ASHA for Education, Atlanta

Asha is a non-profit organization that strives to improve conditions in India by providing basic education to underprivileged children. Asha attempts to raise awareness regarding the lack of children's education in India and address issues involving women's welfare and health care.

Events and Publicity Committees: 2006-07

I am currently a board member of ASHA-Atlanta, a children's education charity. I am on the Events and Publicity Committees responsible for organizing events to raise approximately $18000 in 2006. I am planning the introduction of a fundraising marathon event, several poker events, a sports tournament and several other smaller events. I have taken the initiative to register ASHA-Atlanta in order to receive direct paycheck deductions from interested donors, providing a continuous and predictable revenue stream for ASHA-Atlanta.

Teaching Assistant for Object Oriented Programming Course utilizing JAVA

I was a senior teaching assistant for the sophomore level object oriented programming course, CS 1312/22, using JAVA, a class of over 1000 students. I taught for four semesters from Jan 2001 (Spring 01) to April 2002 (Spring 02) and was part of the prestigious Program Development Team for two semesters. As part of ProgDev, I developed the course and wrote several assignments and tests including the final assignment, in co-ordination with lecturers and co-TAs.

India Club

India Club is the largest, most active cultural club on Georgia Tech campus with over 350 members and 500 affiliate members, over 30 activities every year and a budget of over $15000.

President: 2002-03

Having served two terms as Information Secretary and then Secretary of IC, I was unanimously voted President for the year 2002-03 starting Summer '02. As President I introduced efficiency, accountability, tradition, leadership training as well as several new events to the organization.

I was the initiator and organizer of 'Dramathon', in association with the Pakistan Student Association where members of both clubs performed together for this highly successful event to bring together peoples of the subcontinent and to encourage dialogue and understanding. The event went on to win the 'Burdell's Best Joint Activity Award' at the annual GT awards ceremony.

Additionally I was instrumental in organizing and getting funding a free showing of the Cricket World Cup 2003 for all GT students. As President, I also organized major IC events including the Holi Show, Diwali Dinner & Show, annual picnic, a six flags trip, republic day dinner, two parties, stress breakers during crunch exam time, airport pickups and accommodation for new incoming international students and several other events. Of special mention is the Holi Show, the biggest and most popular Indian cultural show in the South Eastern US with participants and visitors from several adjoining states and attended by over 1200 people in the GT Robert Ferst Center for the Arts.

Secretary: 2001-02

Having been the information secretary for the previous year, I was elected as secretary for the year 2001-02. As secretary, I was responsible for maintaining contacts on campus, scheduling, planning and booking venues for events, for keeping detailed minutes and helping in duties as assigned by the executive board.

As secretary, I wrote a program in Java to maintain the various email lists and member information. I wrote another program to write detailed and properly formatted minutes as well as to maintain a event and task schedule for each officer. 

Information Secretary: 2000-01

I became Information Secretary in my sophomore year having developed a completely new website for the Club and having revolutionary ideas for the club's web presence. I maintained detailed information about Indian organizations, businesses and entertainment venues, as well as other information required by international students such as guides to getting drivers' license, transport around atlanta, social security, maintaining student visa, travel agencies, international phone cards etc.

I started a new web forum for incoming students to interact and find housing and roommates before they arrive. I also started a database to match volunteers with new students requiring temporary accommodation when they arrive or requiring pickup from the airport. This drastically improved the airport pickup and accommodation service offered for free by the Club.

United Indian Students Association (UISA)

Board of Directors: 2004-05

Having served as a Georgia Tech Representative on the UISA board and having in-depth knowledge of organizing events through years of experience in India Club, SGA etc, I served to help direct the UISA. During my two years on the board, the UISA has gained name recognition, streamlined costs/finances, and organized more events. Under my supervision, the UISA developed a comprehensive constitution to act as an umbrella organization for all large Indian student cultural associations in greater Atlanta and Athens.

Georgia Tech Representative: 2003-04

After being president of the India Club, having loved the experience and wanting to improve on my mistakes, I decided to join the UISA, an umbrella organization for all Indian Student Associations in Atlanta's various universities. As a Georgia Tech Representative, I am responsible for coordinating with the India Club of GT, maintaining contacts on campus, publicity on campus as well as help in organizing UISA's several events.

UISA holds several major events every year, including the Diwali Show, attended by over 1200, and the annual formal. The UISA also helps the individual organizations to plan and execute their events on a larger scale. 

Cyberbuzz & TBook

I worked voluntarily with Cyberbuzz and TBook to develop their new websites in 2001-02. Both are voluntary websites run by students.

Cyberbuzz maintains websites of all student organizations on campus, a listing of all events on campus, and a student guide to Tech and entertainment in and around Atlanta.

TBook is an online publication about Tech life, history and traditions.

Volunteer Activities

I love to get involved in volunteer projects whenever I have the time to do so.

I have participated in the Georgia Tech organized TeamBuzz every year from 2000 to 2002. As part of TeamBuzz, I worked at the Center for the Visually Impaired in 2000, Habitat for Humanity in 2001 and Piedmont Park Conservancy in 2002.

I have also participated in the CRY/Vibha 5K walk/run in 2001 and 2002 to help raise funds for children in India.

Other Membeships

I am an active member of the Atlanta Maharashtra Cultural Society and Network of Indian Professionals [NetIP-Atlanta]