My journey at IIM A starts

ePGP at IIM Ahmedabad

It is a dream of every aspiring MBA student to get admissions into the mecca of management education in India, IIM Ahmedabad. So when I got the email from IIM-A that I have been offered a seat in ePGP, I was in seventh heaven.

ePGP is a hybrid program, which is offered through a satellite technology-enabled interactive class room located in major cities of India. Hughes is the technology partner. Campus modules in the IIMA Campus are also included in the programme design. The selection procedure now is through CAT/GMAT exams and interviews by faculty.

The first campus module was conducted in last week of September.  It was good to come back to formal studies after a gap of almost 15 years. The atmosphere in the campus was very conducive for studies. Everyone I met had an aura of achievement and self-confidence around them. The professors were the best in their respective fields. It was good to see batch mates from diverse fields. Our batch has entrepreneurs, people from public sectors, private companies and Multinational companies with a collective work experience of about 600 years!! 

The rigour of IIM-A slowly but surely dawned upon us. We had case studies, readings, group discussions and assignments. The course structure is beautifully designed to suit working executives.

The stay in the campus was very good with comfortable rooms and sumptuous food. Most of all the serene surroundings would make even the dullest person start to study. The campus module was very well organized with evenly spaced events.

The online module started in the month of October; the first class online dispelled any doubts that one would have in mind about the effectiveness of this mode of education. It was a bit difficult juggling a day job, family life and studies. But after a month I can confidently say that the camaraderie of my batch-mates, advice of seniors and the wonderful teachings of professors has definitely helped me adjust to the new normal in my life.

This course is must do for people who missed out on management studies after their graduation. Come join the IIMA way of life!!.

A few pictures:

Just received my books

Class Room

My Study Group

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Anubhuti Class in shatabdi

Anubhuti Class in shatabdi

I recently had an opportunity to travel in the Anubhuti class in the Chennai – Bangaluru Shatabdi. It was a wonderful experience. As advertised the coach had aircraft like feeling. Some of the features of the coach are as follows:

• Air conditioned 2+2 seat configuration
• Cushioned leg rests
• Personalized reading lights
• Attendant calling ‘bell’ button
• USB and mobile charging points in the space between two seats
• A fold-able snack table under the arm rest of the seat
• Modular toilets with features like touch free tap and soap dispenser and hand dryer.
• Toilet occupancy indicators.
• Information display boards
• Braille integrated seat stickers
• Window screens
• Anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping inside the coach
• LCD entertainment screens in the front row seats.

Apart from the above we were provided with sumptuous food, newspaper and water bottles. The attendants were very courteous and friendly. The coach was also cleaned two times in the 5 hour journey.

The fair is reasonable costing around Rs. 1700/- for a one way ticket. The Indian railways have really put in a great effort to attract passengers to its trains. Hope the good work continues.

Football Fever

Football Fever

Football has always had a special place in my life.  Appa and I share a love of football. We have watched many a game together. I am especially reminded of the 1994 world cup when we watched the matches in our new 21” BPL Emperor colour TV.  I stayed up late in the night to watch the opening ceremony. We also watched the final where Roberto baggio famously missed the penalty kick and Brazil was crowned the world champions.

I don’t support any team in particular, my loyalties shift every world cup. 1994 I was fascinated by Romario and his Brazilian team, 1998 my support was for Beckham’s England, 2002 It was Oliver kahn’s Germany (Was thoroughly disappointed when he sat near the goalpost crestfallen after  his team’s defeat), 2006 I sympathized with zindane’s france, 2010 I supported the tiki taka of Spain and enjoyed the “Waka Waka” of Shakira!, 2014 was following the controversies surrounding Brazil’s bankruptcy more than the game!!

Personally, whenever I played football, I was either the defender or the goalkeeper. Plainly because you don’t have to run!!  I did not play any major leagues or tournaments but was satisfied and had a sense of contentment every time I played.

This year appa and I would be watching a world cup together after almost 20 years. Have not decided our loyalties yet, may the best team win.

Bed Bugs!!

BED BUGS!!

I have travelled to many places in India and abroad, stayed in different types of hotels.  Though the hotels were comfortable, I nurse a grievance against the type of beds provided.  The beds were soft, slippery, noisy and uncomfortable.  In one of the hotels, I was told that bed would take the shape of your body but then I made the mistake of using a pillow and woke up with a pain in the neck (Literally!!).   When I travelled to Bangalore with my wife, we had very disturbed sleep, If I moved she jumped and when she moved I jumped. In fact , I almost fell off the bed when she woke up to drink water!!. 

In our recent trip to Kerala, the most satisfying sleep I had was on a sleeper class berth from Cochin to Coimbatore.

My problems with hotel beds, seems to have stemmed from the fact that i am used to sleeping on harder surfaces like mats made of bamboo, coir based mattresses, and stiffer beds.  I just wish hotels understand the needs of persons like me and make more “comfortable” beds.

Do write your comments if you have had a similar experience.