We all harbour dreams, and sometimes when they do come true, it seems like a miracle indeed. Studying at IIM Bangalore (IIMB) is one such long-cherished dream for me that came true at an extraordinary time. While the EPGP programme at IIMB is itself a challenging course that pushes one to grow beyond one’s boundaries, for the current batch, the opportunity came bundled with the additional challenges posed by Covid-19.
Though this one-year MBA is a full-time residential programme, the faculty and students unanimously decided to take it online, given the circumstances. At the inception, I had my apprehensions about the online format as most of us were excited by the idea of campus life. However, all fears melted away on the day of the inauguration which happened with the lighting of a lamp and seeking blessings of the Almighty, in the true spirit of ‘Tejasvi Naavadhitamastu’.
While the mode of imparting education has changed at IIMB, the quality of teaching certainly has not. The faculty share knowledge with as much dedication and passion as ever. In-class activities are conducted by dividing the class into smaller break-out groups, and this ensures complete engagement and participation by the students. Although all of us make sure to connect over calls actively, and chat and support one another well, I hope to meet my batchmates and teachers in person soon.
To conclude, challenges do not matter — the spirit to go on does. IIMB prepares leaders who know how to overcome obstacles and keep going.
(The writer is a Chartered Accountant with ten years of experience in Finance & Taxation across various industries — telecommunications, insurance and manufacturing.)