My third alarm rings for the fourth time, and I finally open my eyes and drag myself out of bed. I’ve probably hated waking up for morning classes since first grade. And here in my air-conditioned room with the pleasant dull glow of sunlight seeping in through the curtains, it is more difficult than ever before (especially because my brain keeps reminding me that I’ve only had four hours of sleep). I open up my windows and the blue sky, the lush green mountains semi-visible through the fog, and the sounds of many chirping birds remind me that it might be difficult, yes, but one could never hate it here. Mornings are an absolute treat at IIMU. So, I hurry to get ready and run over to the mess for a hearty breakfast, along with the other unfortunate people who were destined to spend the pleasant morning locked up in a classroom.
My study group mate happens to meet me on the way, and we use the short walk to class to decide what to speak if we get called for the case presentation. (Our professor being very professional, likes to use the excel ‘rand’ function to select groups for case presentations every-day). We had put in quite a bit of effort and were rather proud of our analysis. “I wish we get called today” my group mate says, “I’m sure sir will be impressed”. We didn’t get called though, and fifteen minutes into sir’s analysis was all it took to make us realise how mistaken we were. It wasn’t that our analysis was wrong, just that however smart we may be, and whatever effort we may put in, the insights a professor can bring in, never fail to ‘wow’ us with their unique point of view, simplicity, clarity, and structure. This is also the most important reason why we manage to stay awake, despite having slept only four hours (break time coffee and canteen samosas being the other two reasons).
Soon, it is time for lunch and while we trade stories in the mess with our friends from other classes, we suddenly hear a loud gasp. Having been at IIMU for quite some time now, we are able to accurately interpret this, not as someone choking over the food, but as an official mail informing us of a surprise quiz to be held fifteen minutes later. (I never imagined that the word ‘surprise’ could make me anything but excited, but when followed by ‘quiz’, it tends to leave me feeling fairly apprehensive). Lunch is now a hurried affair, followed by a quick scan of the mess to find the class topper. He/ She is soon surrounded and bombarded with doubts and questions, while notebook pages are flipped through in rapid succession. (Surprise quizzes are also the times when we begin to appreciate the incredible amount of information grasping and retaining our brain is capable of in fifteen minutes).
One quiz and one class later, I get back to my room to catch up on my sleep before tea. I am soon woken up to the sound of scratching and look out to see a family of happy langurs prancing across the wall. Joined by my friends, I go down to the mess to get a better view and watch them while having tea (some brave souls also offer them biscuits). We then go cycling near the mountains or play basketball at the court for a while. The physical exertion prepares us again for a round of group study, class preparations, assignment submissions, and project work. This is interspersed by club and committee meetings as upcoming fests or seminars are planned, group and individual deliverables discussed and exciting initiatives brought up.
Finally, a reminder mail is sent regarding the Karaoke event planned by the music club for that night, and the whole campus gathers around a campfire to listen, to sing along, to push our friends forward with ridiculous requests, and basically to enjoy the privilege of being a part of the IIMU family and calling this place our home. Because IIM Udaipur is unique, not just for the reputed faculty, the academic excellence, the core values, the facilities and infrastructure, the surrounding natural beauty and the immense learning from student-driven activities, but because of the culture and belongingness that bind all these elements together. This is what enables us to work as one system, striving to get better each day, and driving our institute to greater heights.
The ABG company I would like to work for:
The Aditya Birla Group company I would like to work for, if given a chance to choose, would be Idea Cellular Limited. This is because I am at my best when working in a challenging atmosphere and with Jio’s entry into the telecommunication sector, this field is fraught with challenges. The rapid technological advancements in this sector, increasing internet penetration across India, and Idea’s own expansion of its digital offerings to include payments, cloud storage, and entertainment, make this a sector full of opportunity. Additionally, my background as electronics and communication engineer coupled with the management knowledge I have garnered at IIMU, make me well suited for a role in this company.