Not so long ago, while I was busy with my responsibilities as a government employee, I was re-ignited with the desire of working on my career growth. I took unpaid leave to go for the preparation of Civil Services examination. On reaching New Delhi, I was all set to aim high for the 'Jackpot.' But life made me revisit my past desire to pursue management studies, a dream I had during my undergraduate days.
With a little guidance from my friends and a considerable effort from my side, I was able to crack CAT. I appeared for several B-school interviews and I converted most of them. I was eagerly waiting for IIM Nagpur results. Meanwhile, I joined one of the top private B-schools and underwent their induction process. The day we had our Induction party, the most amazing thing happened. I got an admission offer from IIM N, and I had to join the institute within a short span of time. The joy of getting into the institute was shortly turned into the anxiety of starting a journey that I always wanted to live but expected the least. I had to discontinue my studies at the previously enrolled B-school and had to do away with the fees that I had already paid there.
But to this point, I can say that I have never regretted that decision a bit.
Finally, the day came, and I was standing on the campus of one of the 20 IIMs.
Coming from a small town, my parents and I always talked about getting into an IIT or an IIM. I couldn't realize the first one but felt proud to get the later one. The admission process was prompt and smooth, and I could easily avail the education loan from one of the banks. This was followed by the engaging days of the induction process, which included a welcome dinner party organized by the college. It was one of the warmest gestures which provided me with an opportunity to ease into the institute culture and environment.
I also remember the addressing speech of
IIM N Director Prof. L.S. Murthy at the inauguration ceremony in which he described the two years of the course as "an arcade leading to the highway of the life." You can equip yourself here with most of the required commodities that will help you in your journey of life.
During the first week, we got familiar with the academic and non-academic clubs as well as the various student-driven committees on campus. All of us were divided into groups and were made to participate in different activities. This provided us with an opportunity to understand and work with each other. Few of my favourite events were 'dHRisti' organized by the HR-SIG 'tHRive,' and 'Scriptography' organized by 'Cineastes,' the movie SIG of the institute. But the event which touched me the most was the 'Visit to Slum Soccer', as a part of the community outreach program organised by IIM Nagpur.
After the commencement of our classes, we had the Class Representative Elections followed by Placement committee selection process. Being a person who is always ready to take the initiative, I decided to contest for both with a purpose to serve the institute and my batchmates in any way possible. There were multiple rounds in both the processes that involved 'Soap Box,' the open house addressing and Q&A session with the batchmates as well as seniors. This opportunity boosted my confidence level and made it possible to familiarize myself with almost every student in the institute. Unfortunately, I couldn't make into any of these two, but as it is said that path is more important than the destination, so I gained a lot with those experiences.
Later, the interviews for all clubs and committees began. Here at IIM N, we have the choice to fill our priorities and preference to get into any club and committee as its executive member. So out of the various options available, I applied only for 'Ummeed-Social Outreach Club.' I had clarity of thoughts and felt that my experience of working in the rural sector for underprivileged would definitely be of some use to the club. Eventually, I ended up getting inducted in the club and today, I am working towards giving it back to the society for what it has given me.
Now, after spending almost two months at the institute, I look back and try to reflect on my journey, an outcome of the several decisions that I have taken in life. I feel proud and happy to represent the badge of IIM N and I am looking forward to 'live' through this fantastic experience.
Now a question may arise about my goal of cracking the Civil Services Examinations, to which I would like to answer that life has never been predictable, at least for me, so who knows into what I may stumble next.
About the Author
Kumar Jai is a PGP 1 student at IIM Nagpur. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has worked under Ministry of Rural Development, State Government of Uttar Pradesh as a Village Development Officer. He loves watching and playing football. He is a foreign language enthusiast and has learned basic Spanish.