First IIMpressions

Ok..I wrote this after my first 2 weeks here at Planet I. Did not get time to put it up here.. Apologies for not posting it earlier...Lot of things have changed since then..But that will follow in the next post...Until then, here it goes..

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As I sit down and pen my thoughts, I realize that it has been over two weeks since I landed at my home for the next two years; a home that chose two hundred and thirty-nine souls, and me, to share two significant years of our life. Adventure it was for all, relief from the mundane ‘Indian IT Male chasing feline dreams’ existence for many and excitement and apprehension it is, for all. Two-lakh people dream of being here for a plethora of reasons ranging from potential matrimonial profile upgrade to getting closer to striking distance of those wonderful astrononomical gazillions that are thrown by those phoren iBanks. I am no maverick and wouldn’t claim the non-existence of contemplation along these lines at some point of time over the last few months. I sure could do with the former, if not the latter at least, though under ideal circumstances I would like to believe that I am entitled to both.

Alas, these fancy dreams of mine have been periodically shattered like those brittle and little taxed beautiful virginal bones of mine after every Physical Exercise and Yoga (not for World Peace) session starting every morning at 5.15 am sharp over the last one week. This process of induction for the incoming batch has been painful but necessary. It has brought about a sense of camaraderie among the suffering few who cringe under the cold Malwa winds of early morning and perform calisthenics like turning to the left and discovering your right buttock (Trust me, for a guy less endowed at the posterior, its an even bigger headache) to the tune of the Yoga Master. The oohs, aahs and uffs, periodically interspersed with sh@# and other 4 letter words, which I am not sure I remember correctly, helped one realize that the fight against exhaustion, crickets, red ants, bees (giving us constant company) and sleep was still on, and far from over. It was here that we learnt our first management lesson – the importance of patience under duress and teamwork.

Not two hours later and off we go towards the Classroom Block after grabbing a sandwich or coffee from the Mess, though lack of time or home-conditioned taste buds would convince a few to give it a miss. Point to note over here – if a class is supposed to start at 9 30 am, it does start not at 9 29 or at 9 31, but at 9 30 only. Professors arrive at least 15 minutes in advance and load the presentation and case to be discussed for the day on the system in front and spend the rest of the time counting seconds on the big digital clock hung on the back wall of every classroom. No one is allowed to enter the classroom after 9 30 and there are no excuses. Another point to note – classrooms are designed to give Professors a strategic viewpoint from the front and students sit in places allotted to them based on height and eye-power. Sleeping in class is thus a very tricky affair and seasoned veterans have been finding it tough to evade attention. There have been a couple of martyrs already and Professors can rip you apart with sarcasm which takes time to appreciate (especially if you happen to be the subject). Three sessions of seventy minutes being the norm here, it is also imperative that our concentration is at peak level. Active class participation (ACP) being a factor that is harped on at every introduction class by the Professor has unleashed a hitherto hidden inquisitive mind in all the participants, right from day one. Theories, counter-theories, analogies and eloquent dissertation rule the roost in an intellectually charged atmosphere. If not anything, I can vouch that ACP is trying hard to expedite the transition from AL (Appreciative Listener) to DCP (Desperate for Class Participation) for many of us. Here we learn our second management lesson – It does not matter what you know, if I don’t know what you know. Speak up and thou shall be heard (and acknowledged with better grades hopefully!). Surprise quizzes, assignment submission with strict deadlines and presentations are also constant companions in the life at a B School whom you cannot divorce. Not a week has gone past and we already have had two Quizzes (Microeconomics and Information Systems) and a couple of presentations on Business Communication.

Within the first few days, I realized that life here is not restricted to what has been described above. In fact there is more that happens outside the classrooms than inside. The official induction program for the on the first day had the Director of Boston Consulting Group as the Chief Guest for the evening and it was an enriching experience for all present. The very first day also helped me get acquainted with many seniors who are courteous, helpful and down to earth. A dozen interest clubs like Theatre, Quiz and Oratory, and an equal number of professional committees ensure that there is at least one event happening every night. In addition to this, there are planned as well as impromptu sports competitions held every now and then. The PGP 1 vs. PGP 2 competitions have already been announced and practice is due to start any time. Not to be left behind, the professional committees like the Marketing, Finance and other clubs organize events and Guest Lectures from the corporate world fairly regularly. Within a week of being here, I realize that it is virtually impossible to participate in everything. Choice is key as we live in the ‘Hillock that Never Sleeps’. The third management lesson – Choose wisely, to be in the right place at the right time.

“Come here for the experience” was an often-heard phrase during interaction with seniors during the pre-B School phase. After spending a short time here, I can vouch for this. The experience sure could be better if it culminated with goodies mentioned at the beginning of this article. Two years to go and it sure looks like to be the most significant years of my life.

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