Even as the early morning laze lingers in the air, the bustling activity on campus breaks all calm. Students rushing to their 9 a.m classes, trying to balance a book in one hand and chai in the other, have yet another obstacle to navigate- a mean gradient. A campus built atop a hill is every bit a beautiful sight. Lush greenery frames the winding roads that serve as perfect locations for a lazy stroll on a beautiful day. But the huffing and puffing of students resonate through the air, as the dreaded “late-punch-in” time nears. Oh, and did I mention we made multiple trips sometimes?
In many ways, a walk through the streets of IIM Indore serves as a metaphor for life. The sights are aplenty. The flora and fauna are unparalleled, with each scenery deserving of its own photo, sometimes many. A leisurely stroll, unhindered by the chaos of traffic is a dream for most.
And then comes the uphill slope. You start off in a carefree disdain with the question “how hard could it be?” resonating through your head. You plod on, with resolve until your legs begin to feel a tinge of discomfort. “This too shall pass, we’re almost near the top”, you tell yourself. Then the challenge begins- for beyond what you see, lies that mischievous last stretch that finally reveals itself. And just like that, the smallest seed of doubt is sown.
You continue on, as your legs begin to noticeably grumble. Out of breath and sweaty, you wonder when the agony shall end. You lose sight of the beauty around you, of the trees and bushes, of the plunging slopes and the distant town in the backdrop of your path. All you see is a gradient, your hardships and a relentless voice in your head that kicks you for getting out of bed to go on a walk so early in the morning. Your hope begins to fade.
But lo and behold! Even as you whine and sulk, you have reached the very top. You are now going downhill, slowly gaining pace driven by your own momentum. It takes you a while to realise, but only a fraction of a second to be overjoyed. You have made it! You hurtle down the slope with the wind in your hair. You are unstoppable. The few seconds of winning over the terrain was worth the climb.
Or was it? You now feel a bittersweet joy. To get back to your hostel, the very slope that you conquered shall have its last laugh. You will win a battle you almost lost on the way here. And just like that, you have got your workout for the day.
The company I would like to work for
I would like to work for Aditya Birla Fashion and Limited. I am fascinated by the apparel industry, the constant change in trends and styles and how ABFRL has managed to keep up with it consistently. Brands like Louis Philippe and Allen Solly have defined the formal-wear segment since time immemorial.
- Ramya R