A new walk to take

This guy in my section floated the idea of taking up some social initiative. He proposed that it be limited only to our section (which is a diverse group 60 people). We could all take up some social initiative, and act on it. There would be no publicity, no association with any existing Interest Clubs (or I-Clubs as we know them) and no tie-ups with NGOs. Just 60 people trying to do something good, and for once, without expecting returns. Just for our own internal satisfaction.

It's still in a very embryonic stage, but at least I am liking treading this new road, this new walk...

When the lights go out...

I have observed this phenomenon at many places; home, building, school... even Planet - i. But it is all-the-more striking here, at Planet - i.

Power cuts happen often, around once in 2 days, for about 15-20 mins each time. The generator takes about 5 - 10 secs to kick in. During this short timespan, the entire institute is blacked-out.

Everytime this momentary black-out takes place, and I mean everytime, people start hooting!

I just don't get it! I really didn't expect such juvenile reactions from a place where the average age f student is 24 years.

The 'Leveler' explained...

@Kunjan - It's hard to explain man... All along, you have this feeling, that you are GOOD. Call it your 'residual self image' (a la The Matrix). But the moment it gets shattered from the most unexpected of ways, it does shake you up. Brings you right down to earth.

Basically, I thought that I would make a good manager. Probably a great manager. And I formed that impression by looking at the people around me. Sure I know smart people, good people. Some of my friends, some family. Sure they are smart and intelligent. But it's only after coming here that I realized that I had not seen that many great people after all. And that somehow altered my Residual Self Image.

Well, thats the leveler I was talking about. No perticular example thought. Just that, some people in my class are so good, that I have started respecting them. I have actually started looking up to some of them!

What a leveler

Another thing I have realised at IIM I is that I am not the best in the world.

I am not conceited, proud, or even self centered; people who know me will whole heartedly attest that. But I did have an image of myself where I thought I was quite capable. In fact, very capable.

It's only when one lands in such elite company that one realizes ones real worth. Though I know for a fact that I am better than most of the people here, but I also have to realize that I am not as good as a sizable number too! They don't have relative grading for nothing; it really puts your self-perception into perspective.

And better or worse isn't just about marks. It's about personality, knowledge, application, intelligence, wit, charm, and any of the many qualities one wishes for.

Frankly, if nothing else, this past one month has been the greatest leveler in my life. It is to be seen whether I learn from it and grow, or give it up as a bad joke. Hoping (and trying) for the best. Later...

Whats the big deal about an IIM

These are some of my thoughts in the first month at IIM Indore. So, they may not be concrete, and are subject to change.

Earlier when I got rejects from all the US universities I had applied for an MS (despite a GRE score of 1540), most of the people comforted me saying that they aren't the end of the road. US universities aren't the fountainhead of knowledge that one must die or kill to get in. And what do they have that Indian colleges don't?? Pertinent question...

But now I do have the answer. Having spent just 1 month at IIM Indore has made me realize the difference, between an average college, and the best college in the country.

Firstly, they DO have some good faculty. It is a common myth that there is nothing special about the faculty at IIM's, and that it is just the brand name that they are riding on. Trust me, the faculty is good. There always are the rotten ones, but they don't really spoil the rest of the basket.

Secondly, the kind of industry exposure you get here in the form of guest lectures, alumni interaction and seminars, is simply unparalleled. In a matter of 30 days, I have heard top executives from Tata Finance, one of the Big Five consulting companies and one of the worlds leading financial organizations. C'mon, somethings gotta rub of on you, even if you just sit there.

Thirdly, and probably, most importantly, the peer group one works with is exceptional. That is the greatest advantage of being in one of the countries top B-schools. The sheer weight of the peer group drives you to excel in all your activities.

Though I do not justify the insane desire to do an MBA or a BTech from these colleges among students, I can totally understand the reasons.