First day of PGSEM orientation

Today was the first day of PGSEM program orientation. I was very excited, going back to school after 10 years. It’s for 3 days and college had arranged for accommodation but I was not sure whether I will stay in hostel or come back. However I had carried luggage but kept in car on reaching IIMB. After getting the room keys, went to hostel room which reminded me that I am actually in a college hostel and not in some hotel room. Anyway, it was on top floor so opened the room windows and left for lunch in Amruth Kalsa, the name of hostel mess. By that time many people had come there and there were lot of introductions going on which might have happened again during the course of the day. Special lunch was organized for us and after having that I was looking forward to the dinner at MDC.

After finishing the lunch, we went to auditorium where some activities were planned by SAC (Student affairs committee). On reaching the audi, the first shocker came. We all were given 3 big fat books for the 3 courses in the first quarter. And the big realization finally dawned upon me that getting in doesn’t mean that degree will come as a cakewalk, probably getting in was the easiest part. Anyway SAC (seniors) gave us one information form to fill and started calling one by one to get photos clicked probably for ID card. Some were mostly uninterested; some got it clicked again after setting their hair and all. One guy again asked the photographer in the evening to click again after coming in formals. I was reading through the schedule book where the final quarter exam date was given which was clashing with the deliverable date on which I am working currently in office and SAC members were telling that first quarter GPA matters the most. I wanted to say “aal is well” but what came out was God, please help.

SAC then started presentations on various things – academics and various activities/committees and answered the various queries people had about various things. And then came the million dollar question – how can placements/better jobs be facilitated for this course. SAC told the various things they have been doing to make the industry more aware about this program. I must say SAC team really organized the orientation well, were present till late in night, considering they all are working professionals like us.

Then the actual inauguration came. Everyone was in formals. Last I was in formals during the PGSEM interview and before that I don’t remember when. Prof Pankaj Chandra, director, and Prof N Agarwal, Chairperson PGSEM were present along with Mr Harsh Manglik, chairman Nasscom, who was the chief guest. I was smiling and getting excited, not actually because of the speeches which these 3 distinguished gentlemen gave though each of them gave a truly excellent and thought provoking speech and I am looking forward to more of these in my IIMB days, I think it was the aamir khan effect of actually being a student at IIMB.

After that we went for dinner and we were told to assemble outside audi at 9 pm. All 75 students were divided into 4 groups and there were group activities planned during the 3 days, probably to give a platform to incoming students to mingle and know each other better. Most of the people reached audi late and everyone got a mild blasting from the SAC team. Anyway, the activities started with antakshri. Each team had to sing maximum songs on the given word in 45s. We came first in reverse order, which I think is because we got word “ishq” which is not hindi :) Don’t mind my excuse.

Its 11pm and now we are doing the final task for the evening - write a blog which our team has to submit by 7.45am tomorrow. And yes, I am staying back at hostel; thankfully I didn’t forget to bring bedsheet.

For those interested in Harsh Manglik's speech, read here