IIM Shillong - A Hallowed Campus

As I walked through the gates of IIM Shillong for the first time, I had the overwhelming feeling of having walked into a picture postcard. The towering trees stood with arms wide open, welcoming me in and inviting me to stay. Warm sunlight sieved in through the leaves, caressing my face. I breathed in the fresh air, and knew this was a rare case of love at first sight.

The campus of IIM Shillong, which I am fortunate enough to call my home, is an enchanting place indeed. Quaint little glass houses with potted plants inside, pathways lined with grass, the green and white buildings with sloping roofs- everything adds to the old-world charm. The rooms are lovely and spacious, the grounds bright and verdant. With every step I take, I am filled with a sense of calm. I have never before felt so welcome and so warm, in a place that I happen to have entered a minute ago.

Like everyone else, I had been nervous and apprehensive for my first day. Mind afflicted with doubts and heart restless, I walked in, with my life in a suitcase. I wondered if I would spend the next month feeling homesick; or if the next two years would be spent in awe of this unfamiliar place. I wondered if the place would accept me and love me, or if I would ever be able to look at it as my own.

But contrary to my expectations, with each step I took, I fell a little more in love with IIM Shillong. By the time I had reached my hostel, I was smiling from ear to ear. In a moment the place had taken me in, converted my awe into affection, and reassured my uneasy heart. I felt at home, at peace.

Even today, as I rush uphill to the auditorium for my 4 p.m. class, the sun smiles benignly at me and the trees wave at me to reassure me that I shall reach in time. The campus is like a warm, motherly presence in the background, edging me on, giving me hope. Amid deadlines for assignments, the quest for knowledge and skills and the drive of ambition, the campus acts as a comforting lap to rest my head. I have no time, but I shall stand and stare- for it is too beautiful to tear my eyes away.

I am rushing to my classroom now, the trees cheering me on. The uphill climb is difficult, but I shall manage because the clouds are kind enough to hide the sun. I arrive in
time, and sit near the window. A cool mist penetrates the room, and I can see the clouds from where I sit. My brain is prepared to receive the knowledge our kind professor shall impart, but my heart is spouting poetry. I quickly jot down the words that spill out.

A cloud went past me

And waved as it went by

I smiled and shook my head

As a drop fell from the sky

It rains and rains,

My body is soaked

But my mind is fortified

My heart is filled with hope

A gust of wind blows in, and disrupts the reverie. I smile because I am glad to be here- in IIM Shillong, the Campus in Clouds; a place I shall forever hold dear in my heart.

ABG Company I would like to work for

ADITYA BIRLA FASHION AND RETAIL LIMITED

I would like to work for Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, which is the umbrella under which prestigious brands like Van Huesen, Pantaloons, Peter England, etc are managed. The reason I would like to work for Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited is that I have a certain understanding of clothing and apparel, and an interest in fashion and apparel trends. It would be extremely interesting and engaging for me to work in a division that is closely related with clothing. Also, I consider myself a creative person, and this is a division which will help me explore and put my creativity to good use. I believe I will both grow, and help the organization to grow, given a chance to work in such a division.