'Welingkar-ite'

It’s a wonder how life can change so suddenly and so drastically that it takes you completely by surprise. This is the first thought that entered my mind when I heard the news of my admission to Welingkar Institute of Management. I was quite prepared to pick up my books again, spend the whole year dreading the CAT and hoping to get lucky this time. But, I got through and my ‘vacation’ was unexpectedly terminated.

I was required to report to the institute at 9 am on the 12th of June, in formals (The first time ever, I think, that I ever wore formals including a jacket). Anyway, as I entered the place for the first time, I had this feeling of starting a new life- something that would take me places…(It was a feeling- I’m not saying my feelings represent reality at all times).

I went into the auditorium wondering what was in store-and hoping I would fit in with all these people from diverse backgrounds-some even with work experience(which, in my college dictionary, would make them ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’-no offence meant!) However, as the day progressed, and I got talking with the people around me, I thought-this isn’t that bad after all!! By the end of the day, I could say with confidence, that I had formed bonds and was sure they would grow.

Over the next few days, I noticed a sense of belonging that seemed to emerge within everyone, as they formed friendships, and grew familiar with the idea of being part of the institute. Some would save seats for their friends, some were aloof, but everyone was definitely part of the class. I met a variety of people, from different parts of the country, with their own stories to tell… I could see how some people fit in so well, while others seemed to be struggling to fit in.

As our lecture schedules for the next day were given out at the end of each day, we began to form a firm belief in the motto-“Expect the unexpected”. Timings would vary from 10am- 2 pm to 8 am -10.30 pm. We would have “surprise” ET tests (that’s The Economic Times for those of you who don’t yet know how important that pink paper is, in a B-School) everyday-for which some would read the paper, while others hoped their neighbors read it!! I had my own solution (some genius came up with it, and I followed it religiously) -ET notes!!

The foundation was set well-I will always remember Mr Moradian’s lecture on operations management, at the end of which, he got a standing ovation. It was a 4 hour lecture and we had had a long day. I, for one, was about to fall asleep. Yet, not only did I stay awake, I heard each word he said.

Lectures varied from quantitative techniques to leadership, and the relevance of some lectures was questionable, but we dutifully attended all of them. As we neared the end of the foundation fortnight, I could feel a sense of loss, for all our friends who would be headed to Bangalore, or be separated for their respective courses. On the last day, our seniors suggested a game which involved pinning a paper to our backs and requesting comments from our colleagues. It was interesting, and I know I will treasure that paper forever. But, what I remember from that day is a line spoken by my friend. She said, “It’s just the beginning, but I feel so sad”. It was the end of a memorable induction into the institute, and I had emerged a wiser person. I knew all my doubts about being able to belong were cleared. I was already a true-blue ‘Welingkar-ite’.