The Beginning of a New Journey: My Orientation Experience
In life, the beginning of a new chapter is always filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. On the 15th of July, our journey at IIM Bodh Gaya commenced with the first day of the Orientation Program. I vividly recall that bustling morning when I woke up at 6 a.m., surrounded by the hurried chaos of fellow students. Bags were still packed, and we were all searching for things, trying to get ready on time. Finally, we managed to prepare ourselves and found a sense of joy and anticipation in the air.
The journey to the orientation hall was an adventure in itself. I had the pleasure of meeting new people on the bus, each brimming with enthusiasm for the journey ahead. As we arrived at the hall, we were greeted by a sea of new and energetic faces, some of whom are now familiar friends. The program commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting, a ritual performed by our esteemed director, Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, followed by a soul-stirring song dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
What followed was a day filled with invaluable insights and wisdom. Seasoned professionals and experienced individuals shared their life experiences, guiding us on the path to wisdom and offering practical ideas to navigate our academic journey. We owe our gratitude to Mr. Atul Singh (Founder, CEO, and Editor in Chief, Fair Observer), Mr. G. Asok Kumar (Director-General, National Mission for Clean Ganga), Mr. Sameer Ahmed (SAP CX Practice Head, Infosys), Mr. Vivek Rastogi (Chief Technology Officer, Fab India), Mr. Avnish Sabhrawal (Managing Director, Accenture Ventures and Open Innovation), and Mr. Arindam Banerrji (Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Wells Fargo) for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences with us.
During this eventful day, we also took the time to capture memories through photographs. The diversity of cultures and backgrounds represented amongst our peers was astonishing, and in the midst of it all, time seemed to slip away. It was nearly 9 p.m. when we returned to campus, our minds brimming with newfound knowledge and our hearts filled with cherished memories.
As we headed back to the campus, raindrops began to fall—my first experience of rain in Bodh Gaya. We embraced the rain, enjoying and laughing in its soothing embrace before gathering for dinner. Later, we engaged in meaningful discussions with our new friends, forging connections that would strengthen our bonds.
The second day of the Orientation Program carried forward the energy and excitement of the first. New faces, new stories, and fresh perspectives filled the bus as we embarked on another day of discovery. It was during these bus journeys that I truly appreciated the diversity of experiences and perspectives that our peers brought to the table.
The second day of the Orientation program featured eye-opening sessions from industry experts and professionals from various sectors. Speakers like Mr. Amit Singh (Partner, Head of South And South East Asia Capital Markets, Linklaters), Dr. I.P. Singh (Senior Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), Mr. Ashish Bansal (Senior Partner, KPMG India), Dr. Sandipan Sarkar (Global Technology Executive – Data & AI, Hybrid Cloud Transformation, IBM Consulting), Mr. Satyajit Nath (Director, Capgemini), Mr. Vibhu Gautam (Wellness Coach, Corporate Soft Skill Mentor, Certified Yoga Instructor, Founder, International Art of Living), Prof. Vidyanand Jha (Professor, Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, IIM Calcutta), Dr. Mark E. Wohar (UNO/CBA Distinguished Professor, College of Business Eminent Scholar, Department of Economics, University of Nebraska at Omaha), Prof. Kamaiah Bandi (Emeritus Professor, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad and Professor in Economics, SRM University, AP), IPS Ashish Bharti (Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya), and Dr. Thiyagarajan S.M. (IAS, District Magistrate, Gaya) shared their invaluable knowledge and life lessons. Among them, Mr. Vibhu Gautam’s session on maintaining happiness during stressful situations and IPS Ashish Bharti’s talk on finding the courage to push ourselves resonated deeply with me.
The day continued with Novicia 2.0, the most anticipated event of the evening. It was a whirlwind of performances, including singing, dancing, competitions, open mic sessions, and much more. The auditorium echoed with applause, hoots, and cheers as our hearts filled with joy. The evening concluded with the introduction of the prestigious clubs and committees, followed by faculty introductions and insights into the course structure and grading system.
To say that I was initially apprehensive about the academic journey would be an understatement. But thanks to the guidance and support of my seniors, those fears have dissipated. The second day concluded with a resounding performance that left the entire auditorium electrified, reminding us of the incredible journey that lay ahead.
In those two days of the Orientation Program, we embarked on the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, a chapter filled with learning, growth, and camaraderie. It was a journey that started with hurries and scurries but ended with friendships, memories, and a profound sense of belonging. Our orientation was not just an introduction to IIM Bodh Gaya; it was an introduction to a community that would shape our futures, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Author: Priti Kumari
About the Author: Student of MBA-09
#iimbodhgaya #iimbg #theenlighteningiim #orientation
#novicia2.0 #experience #new #chapter
#oration #culturalnight #welcome