Before I joined IIM Nagpur, there was a tinge of arrogance in my general demeanor; I had only ever worked as an independent contractor or an entrepreneur, which meant that humility was not my strongest suit. There were apprehensions in my mind about whether or not this journey would teach me what I was seeking. I had been on the receiving end of acceptance letters from older IIMs, and the choice was a tough one—it was also the right one.
Even regular conversations with my peers made me feel lost; humility poured through me instantly. Were they living in the same world as I was? Here I was, sitting on my high throne, only to realize that I knew so little compared to my peers. Some would assume that this sudden change from a non-corporate vernacular manufacturing firm to a prestigious B-school would be frightening—even intimidating—but the word closest to describing the feeling is “exhilaration.” Furthermore, I say that in the present tense because the emotion has not dampened after two months of sitting at home awaiting the news of colleges across our country reopening. Everyone I have interacted within the capacity of my PGP, whether it was the administration, the faculty, the seniors, or my peers, has earned my respect in the limited interactions I have had with them. I hope that I can be worthy of theirs in the coming two years.
Some argued that the experience of a B-school is only authentic when one is on campus and actively involved in the hustle. To them, I say that you could have prepared for a challenging world, but you chose otherwise, and honestly, that’s your loss. Yes, I wish I was on campus. Still, the learning is never exclusive to the physical, and I am a witness to the phenomenal change that IIM Nagpur has implemented in its infrastructure to accommodate students.
To those wondering if the experience is different, yes, it is—but only superficially. I’m still hungry, sleep-deprived, and overwhelmed by the scope of knowledge that defines every second of my new life. The orientation process is as informative as it is demanding and interactive. That last part, however, has ensured that the human touch is not lost in these difficult times when hundreds of us log in to a zoom meeting. The constant need to communicate with one’s peers during such events has ensured that strangers from across the country have now become friends—united by our circumstances. The bonding is a unique experience and perhaps hard to quantify in mere words.
While the situation is not ideal, the demands and expectations of IIM Nagpur from the curriculum remain intact, which is a relief. The institute’s uncompromising nature on classroom preparation, their quick and effective adoption of online methods have ensured that the transition is not just smooth but also pleasant.
The vision of IIM Nagpur far exceeds that of more established institutions, which is apparent in the dynamic evolution the college has undergone to not just accommodate the students but also enhance the experience in the given constraints. It is truly an exceptional feat of organizational transformation. The trade-offs have been minimal, and the MBA experience—while different—remains holistic.
Even though the future remains uncertain, the world cannot stay still. We have to continue to grow, develop, and evolve if we are to survive, sustain, and supersede the challenges. This is the hallmark of excellent management, and I’m proud to say that my college—IIM Nagpur—has beaten the odds and given us a Zoom experience that’s as real as it can get.
About the author - Navjot is a PGP 2020-22 student with experience as an entrepreneur in the textile manufacturing sector. He has a keen interest in marketing and is passionate about writing, music, and graphic designing. He has also worked as a sports journalist and hopes to pursue a career in the Media & Entertainment industry.