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Khushahal Malakar, IIM Lucknow | 50 Most Employable MBA Graduates 2026

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Team InsideIIM
Team InsideIIM

From a small town near Rajasthan’s Sambhar Lake to the classrooms of IIM Lucknow, Khushahal Malakar’s journey is one of quiet persistence and belief. Raised in a family of teachers, he grew up valuing learning above all else. His story is not about shortcuts or privileges, but about small, steady steps — teaching himself English, mastering new skills, and mentoring hundreds of others along the way. Scroll down to read how Khushahal turned every challenge into an opportunity to learn, grow, and give back.


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The Journey: From Sambhar Lake to IIM Lucknow

Khushahal’s path began in a Hindi-medium government school, where ambition often outgrew resources. English felt like a barrier at first — an invisible line separating him from the confidence he wanted. But instead of letting that stop him, he decided to start small. He began translating assignments word by word on Google Translate, practicing speeches in front of a mirror, and staying back after classes to learn.

By the time he graduated with a B.Sc. in Transportation Technology from Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, he had not only become fluent in English but had earned an 8.59 CGPA and a 2.5 lakh merit scholarship. What once seemed like an obstacle had become his biggest teacher — a lesson in persistence and self-belief.

At IIM Lucknow, Khushahal carried the same energy forward. He interned with K12 Techno Services Pvt. Ltd., where he managed 200+ stakeholders across a nationwide digital rollout. The project was complex, but Khushahal thrived in it — balancing timelines, people, and priorities with precision. His ability to learn fast, adapt quickly, and stay calm under pressure made him a reliable name on the project floor.

Outside the classroom, he is a mentor, an athlete, and a community builder. He has guided over 750 MBA aspirants, helping many secure admits into top business schools — something he considers one of his proudest achievements.


What He Stands For: Teamwork, Adaptability, and a Fresh Perspective

Khushahal’s growth story is rooted in three traits that define who he is beyond his resume.

Teamwork comes first. Whether it was late-night projects at IIM Lucknow or table tennis tournaments during college, he thrives in groups that bring together diverse perspectives. He recalls one day when his professor announced a same-day project submission. “It looked impossible at first,” he says. “But by trusting each other and dividing work smartly, our team finished it in just an hour.” That experience taught him that collaboration is less about hierarchy and more about trust.

His second strength — adaptability — is something life has taught him again and again. From switching languages to learning data tools like R and PowerBI, he’s proven that no skill is out of reach when approached with curiosity and discipline. “I don’t learn because I’m told to,” he says. “I learn because I like to see how far I can go.”

Finally, he brings a fresh perspective that comes from being a fresher in the corporate world. With no rigid professional habits, Khushahal approaches every opportunity with openness and energy. He’s comfortable relocating, taking risks, and stepping into unstructured situations — qualities that make him both agile and dependable in a fast-changing business environment.


The Employable Edge: Learning Faster, Adapting Better

In an AI-driven business world, Khushahal believes that adaptability is his biggest advantage. While technology keeps evolving, he focuses on learning how to evolve with it. He has already self-taught tools like R and PowerBI to conduct behavioral research and extract actionable insights — proof of his ability to connect technology with human problems.

Coming from a small-town background, he carries a mindset of continuous learning — not just to stay relevant, but to stay useful. “AI might make processes faster,” he says, “but humans still make them meaningful. As long as I can learn fast and adapt faster, I’ll always have a place in that equation.”


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A Lesson in Selflessness

Not all lessons come from success. Some come from moments that test your instinct for kindness.

During his train journey from Jaipur to Vadodara, a man approached Khushahal in distress, claiming to have lost his wallet and needing money to get home. Moved by his plea, Khushahal handed him ₹2,500 without hesitation. Later, he discovered that the man’s contact number was switched off — he had likely been cheated.

“I felt hurt for a moment,” he admits, “but I never regretted helping.” The experience taught him a simple truth — selflessness is not about outcomes; it’s about intent. “If I start doubting every person who asks for help,” he reflects, “I’ll stop being human.” That moment shaped how he balances empathy with awareness — a quiet strength that guides both his personal and professional life.


Staying Grounded in Growth

For all his achievements, what defines Khushahal most is his humility. Growing up in a small town gave him a deep appreciation for progress — no matter how small. He celebrates every win, whether it’s learning a new phrase in English, winning a table tennis match, or seeing a mentee crack their dream B-school.

These small wins, he believes, are what build big journeys. “They remind me how far I’ve come,” he says, “and how much further I can go.”

In a world that often celebrates speed, Khushahal Malakar stands out for his steadiness — a learner who adapts, a mentor who gives back, and a professional who keeps his heart where his goals are.

He may have come from Sambhar Lake, but his journey reflects something far bigger — the calm, reflective strength of someone who knows that success isn’t about where you start, but how you grow.

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Khushahal Malakar, IIM Lucknow | 50 Most Employable MBA Graduates 2026