The first year at IIM Nagpur unfolded faster than I could process. One moment, I was unpacking bags; the next, I was running between orientation sessions, and late-night inductions, and trying to figure out how the study group worked. That first month had everything — chaos, curiosity, and a packed calendar that it barely left room to think.
In the middle of it all, getting selected into Nexus, the Media and PR Cell, became one of my first proud moments. Amidst the madness, that moment gave me a sense of belonging. It wasn’t just about the role; it was about being part of a team that captured the soul of the campus and told its story.
The year rolled on at a pace I never thought I could keep up with, but somehow, we all did. What made it easier were the little things: bonding over last-minute quiz preps, sitting half-asleep in back-to-back classes, surviving long soapbox sessions during elections, and racing to finish assignments just minutes before deadlines. Every small win felt like a mini triumph.
Outside of academics, the campus was alive in ways I never expected. IIM Nagpur became a melting pot of cultures. We celebrated everything, starting with Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Navratri, Diwali, Lohri, Bihu, Basant Panchami, Pongal, Holi, and many other festivals. Each one felt like stepping into a new world. It didn’t matter where you came from; the campus made sure everyone belonged.
The Rural Immersion Program was something I’ll never forget. We didn’t just observe but we lived the life. For two days, we were welcomed into the village, fed generously by families, and shown a way of life that was grounded, real, and full of quiet strength. It was humbling and eye-opening.
Then came Tangerine Trails, our three-day management fest. For once, the campus wasn’t about classes or deadlines, it was filled with competitions, ideas, and energy. The highlight? A live concert by Ankit Tiwari ended the fest on a perfect note. When the year 2024 was almost about to end, I got a chance to volunteer at the IVEY Case Conference, where I met professors from top institutions across the country. The insights I took from those conversations were truly priceless.
2025 began with Kutumbh 3.0, where I got the chance to meet and interact with our alumni — the ones who once stood where we stand today. In the days that followed, we had our mentor-mentee meet, where I finally met my mentor in person after a few online interactions. It was also heartening to connect with other mentors and see the support system IIM Nagpur had quietly built around us.
Then came that time of the year when a new wave of aspirants were all set to begin their journey toward getting into their dream B-school. As a member of the Admissions Committee, I found myself on the other side of the process. No longer the anxious aspirant, but someone helping incoming students take their first steps toward this journey.
This one year of my MBA journey taught me more than I could’ve imagined. Not just through books or classes, but through every lived moment. Whether it was listening to thought-provoking leadership talks on campus, or attending a conference featuring voices from the transgender community, every experience added something to who I am today.
And as the year drew to a close, we bid farewell to our seniors, and that was, without a doubt, the hardest part. The ones who guided us supported us, and made us feel like we weren’t alone in this chaotic journey were now moving on. Their absence left us with both a sense of loss and a quiet sense of responsibility. From here on, it’s us, P2s (formerly known as second years), who will be managing it all, showing the path, becoming the support for the next batch, and turning chaos into what we call 'experience'.
Looking back, this year truly felt like a rollercoaster, full of unexpected turns, steady climbs, and sudden dips. Some moments tested me, others that surprised me, and many that made me smile in the middle of the chaos.
Now, as I pause to catch my breath, I carry with me not just memories but a little more resilience, a little more clarity, and a whole lot of gratitude. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and finding my way.
Dakshita is a PGP1 student at IIM Nagpur and serves as an executive member of both the Media & PR Cell and the Admissions Committee. She has 17 months of work experience as an Administration Executive. She enjoys traveling and has a deep interest in exploring art and culture.
