The 54th Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) was held on March 16, 2019. Prof. Kaushik Basu, Professor of Economics and Carl Marks Professor of International Studies at Cornell University graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address. Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIMA welcomed the graduating students. The members of the Governing Council were also present at the event. Prof. Errol D’Souza, Director of the Institute, delivered the concluding address, rejoicing the success stories of the future and brand IIMA. The convocation was also historic because for the first time the students were awarded Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree instead of Post-Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management diploma.
Students Graduating at the 53rd Annual Convocation at IIMA
Prof Kaushik Basu, Economics and Carl Marks Professor of International Studies, at Cornell University delivered an inspiring address. Among the several significant points made by him, the importance of the moral compass was highlighted with, “India’s long-run prospects are excellent. I feel we can be a global leader. I must add that I want India to be a leader not to enrich itself, but to be a force for good in the world. The aim should be to provide leadership for a better world, a world of prosperity, equality and sharing. As you, the students of IIM, go out into the world, you will have your own ambitions, but harbour, somewhere in your heart, the ambition for goodness for the world.”
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM-A, welcomed the graduating students and inspired them by stating, “Your association with this institute transcends the two years you have spent here. This is now a lifelong bond. Just like the friendships you have struck on campus… You are the reason; I am so optimistic about the future of this country.”
Prof Errol D’Souza, Director of IIM-A shared in the concluding address that “Life as you well know has a way of creating unexpected events – events Nassim Taleb likens to the appearance of a black swan when, based on your past experience, you assumed that all swans were white. It is good to welcome them as a challenge that helps us to learn, adapt, and flourish.”
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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
On the pre-convocation event on March 15, 2019, following scholarships and awards were given:
The Marti Mannariah Gurunath Outstanding Teacher Award: This award has been instituted in memory of Mr Marti Mannariah Gurunath by Prof. Marti Subrahmanyam (PGP 1969). Every year the award goes to the faculty member who has taught the batch of the Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP) graduating in that convocation. This year, the award was given to Prof. Saral Mukherjee, Production and Quantitative Methods.
The IIMA Alumni VVEF Outstanding Researcher Award: This award has been instituted by the Vidya Vardhini Education Foundation, a Section 25 Company run by IIMA alumni. Outstanding Researcher award is given to faculty members who are being recognized for his/her sustained research contribution and/or significant research of a path-breaking nature. This year, the award was given to Prof. Chirantan Chatterjee.
Philip Thomas Memorial Strategy-Public Systems Case Award: This award has been instituted in memory of Mr Philip Thomas (PGP 1966) by Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan (FPM 1996). Philip Thomas Memorial Case Award goes to the author(s), who write a case in the area of Strategy/Business Policy and Public Systems during each calendar year. This year, the award was given to Prof. Arindam Banerjee.
SRK Distinguished PGPX Faculty Award: This award has been set up by Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd and is awarded to the Meritorious Teacher for his/her outstanding achievement or contribution in academics and other socially relevant areas. The recipient of this award for the year 2018-19 was Prof. Vishwanath Pingali.
The Madan Mohanka Research Publication Award: This Faculty Award has been set up by Shree Madan Mohanka (PGP 1967) of Tega Industries from the year (2017-18). The recipient of this award for this year was Prof. Premilla D’Cruz and Prof. Ernesto Noronha.
The Sajeev Sirpal Academic and Creativity Excellence Award: This Award has been instituted in memory of Shri Sajeev Sirpal (PGP 1984) by Kanaka Sirpal (PGP 1984) and friends. The award is meant to recognize excellence in academics and creativity among participants of the Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP). This year, Ms Akshita Agarwal (PGP 2019) and Mr Pratyush Pandey (PGP 2019) received the award of INR 2 lakh each.
Shri G. C. Mital Entrepreneurship Aid: This aid has been instituted in memory of Mr G C Mital by his son Ankit Mital (PGP 2005). It is awarded to a graduating student from PGP and PGP-FABM batches for exhibiting an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding leadership qualities by starting a business venture, providing employment and converting ideas into economic value, as well as contributing to the benefit of the society at large. This year, the aid of INR 2 lakh was awarded to Mr Anchal Taatya (PGP-2019).
Outstanding Sportsperson Award: This award has been instituted by Mr Sunil Chainani (PGP 1980) and is meant to recognize excellence in all-around performance in sports during the tenure of a student at IIMA. This year, Ms Aprajita Sharma (PGP 2019) and Mr Aayush Agrawal (PGP 2019) received the award.
Smt J Nagamma Memorial Award: This award has been instituted in memory of Smt. J Nagamma by her son Mr. Pramod Kunju (PGP 1999). This award is meant to recognize excellence in academics of a PGP student who has obtained highest CGPA at the end of the first year. This year, Mr Shubham Goyal (PGP-2019) received the award.
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IN TALKS WITH THE MEDALISTS
APRAJITA SHARMA (PGP 2019)
GOLD MEDAL FOR ALL ROUNDER EXCELLENCE
PGP WOMEN GOLD MEDAL FOR BEST PGP ALL-ROUNDER
Aprajita Sharma is currently working with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and is the first-ever women elected as General Secretary for the former 54th Students’ Affairs Council at IIM Ahmedabad. She also holds a post-graduate degree in Public Policy from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and has served as a Legislative Assistant to Members of Parliament Fellow in 2014-15 after her graduation in Mass Communication at Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication.
What does being a Gold Medal for All Rounder Excellence, PGP Women and K.V. Srinivas Awardee mean to you? How has the journey been?
Both awards for all-round excellence are special because of the journey that have led to them.
As a trembling fachchi, I had never imagined that being engaged in several activities that I had sought to pursue would lead to such grace and recognition. I am humbled as these awards stand testament to how balancing academics, co-curricular, extra-curricular and social development through the myriad opportunities is encouraged on campus. For their trust and for this award, I owe a lot to the Class of 2019 who elected me to represent their interests as Batch Representative and the General Secretary of the 54th Students’ Affairs Council. I have grown through my constant engagement at the Institution with the administration and 90 office bearers managing 52 student-led bodies and ₹8.7 million student welfare budget. Representing IIM Ahmedabad at the World Government Summit 2019, publishing a paper at the IIM Bangalore International Conference in 2018 and winning the case competition at the Academic Collaboration Network in 2017 were milestones in the transformation that I saw in myself as a student. Owing to the pace of academics and activities, I was drawn to playing sports, and awarded the Best Sportsperson jointly for winning 9 medals representing IIM Ahmedabad at many tournaments over two years in frisbee, swimming and basketball. My journey has been unique and rewarding in many ways, specially the bonds that I have formed and my personal development throughout PGP. Winning these awards also meant the marked end of an enthralling journey, watery eyes with a gentle smile.
How has your life been after leaving the campus? What are your fondest memories?
After two testing years for my family as much as for me, I am glad that I could spend quality time with them in a much-deserved graduation trip together! Though I have left campus, the two years at IIMA is an anchor in my life with a certain sense of rhythm, skills, and virtues that have been imbibed, give me confidence to embark further. I have commenced work at BCG India as a Senior Associate based out of Mumbai, and as Prof. Saral would say, the “component of an autopoetic system” is transitioning to a new chapter with new opportunities. I am also glad that IIM Ahmedabad is enroute to my parent’s residence in Ahmedabad, and I am sure to frequent both homes. The comfort and bonds formed in penthouse, the rigour of the course and last minute quiz preparation, provocative out of class discussions with faculty, study group meetings in the library, de-stressing at Ram Bhai, discussions in the SAC room, Frisbee finals at Sangharsh 2019, late evenings and nights at the Sports Complex and LKP, long OBMs-GBMs and garnering votes for elections have been among the fondest of my memories.
Ms. Aprajita Sharma, General Secretary of 54th Students’ Affairs Council 2019 speaks about #IIMA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CxAeGko-6c
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KSHITIJ JAIN (PGP 2019)
GOLD MEDALLIST AT THE 54th ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Kshitij Jain pursued his undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) – Electronics and Instrumentation from BITS Pilani (Goa Campus). He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst – Level 2. With a work experience of 35 months, he has been associated with Nomura (Global Markets) and Credit Suisse (Risk Management), with a summer internship at Boston Consulting Group. He is interested in the investment space and has helped raise 2L from Impact Investors and has sourced live consulting projects (~5L revenue) at IIMA. He was awarded Performer of the Year for Quant Modelling at Nomura. He had also served as the Department President at BITS and has 45+ Merit Certificates. He is penta-lingual, a dually trained musician, martial artist, and national level table tennis player.
What does being a Gold Medallist mean to you? How has the journey been?
There is no doubt that winning a gold medal is the biggest achievement in my life, which I shall cherish in all times to come, I accept this accomplishment with humility and from the core of my heart. Let me express my gratitude to God who has always been with me in this journey of success.
On this occasion, I cannot forget my parent and all well-wishers who have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Though the gold medal has given me a sense of pride and joy, yet I cannot be complacent in my future endeavours. It reminds me of a famous quote by Robert Frost
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep”.
The entry into IIM (Ahmedabad) was the beginning of my journey and gave me varied exposure and learning experience. The institute offered me enriched academic curriculum, diverse clubs to learn from, renowned faculty and talented peer & supporting friends and a plethora of resources. My previous work experience with Credit Suisse and Nomura helped me in better understanding and to excel in finance subjects.
Besides academic rigour, I was able to pursue my passion for Table Tennis and as a captain of the team brought laurels to the institute by winning gold medals twice in inter IIM tournaments. I was involved in various club activities. My contribution to the club ‘Forum for Industry Interaction (FII)’ was duly recognised. The club executed 54 industrial projects in FY 2018-19 and was well appreciated by the industry.
The journey was not a straight cake walk and had ups and downs during its various phases. There were days when I was at my low but it did not deter me, rather challenges made me more stronger to achieve the goals. Peer pressure, hectic schedules, meeting deadlines for projects/case studies and a lot of activities to indulge in kept me so busy that only at the end I realised how fast the two years have passed away. This period has transformed my life to face challenges both in professional and personal life in a better manner.
At last, I can say that the journey had been pleasant, memorable, full of challenges & learnings, and ultimately of a great achievement by winning a gold medal.
How has your life been after leaving the campus? What are your fondest memories?
Nostalgic, yes, however with no regrets. My alma mater has given me everything I wanted, be it academic gold, opportunities to learn from great faculty members and from my peer friends. Above all, a great placement in the investment banking division in Barclays Bank. Entry into job space is another turning point of my life and it is inevitable also. After all, you have to pursue some career as part of life. In my present job also, life is not much different as it used to be in the campus. Hectic schedule and long working hours are no different which I used to experience in the campus.
Similarly, new day to day challenges and deadlines are a repeat story. But at the end of the day, you will feel satisfied and get a sense of fulfilment. Passion for finance which was inculcated in the institute keeps me live and joyful despite work pressure. Managerial skills of quick learning, adaptability and meeting goals have become a part of daily routine. There is some change in the sense that now I get an opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge into practical scenario. It gives me satisfaction to see the results of my actions in the form of benefits to my employer. Again new colleagues, working environment and pressure to perform are there but this is what I also relished during my campus life. It is a new beginning or journey and I have to deliver to the best of my capabilities and knowledge. At Barclays, I am getting new learning experience and opportunities to perform.
At campus, it was a memorable journey full of sweet memories yet some of the incidents/activities are captivating. I still remember how much fun we used to make while playing Poker, Mafia, and Monopoly at night. There was a burst of laughter and exchange of pleasantries. Those were stress bursting moments which kept us going and withstand the pressures. My friends would gather in my room and we used to eat, sing, dance and play till late at night without any restriction. Those were loveable and enjoyable moments which would never come back in my life. Examination phobia was another part of the story when everybody would be confined to his/her room engrossed in books. There used to be a tense environment in the campus when everybody slogged for long hours for performing well in the exams. How nights used to pass away, nobody could realise until the exams were over. The life at the campus was tough but full of fun. I also carry other fondest memories of Garba nights at campus and excursion tour to Sri Lanka with my friends. These fondest memories are those precious jewels which I would never like to lose in my life.
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MANISH ADVANI (PGP 2019)
GOLD MEDALLIST AT THE 54th ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Manish Advani pursued his undergraduate degree in B. Tech. (Hons.) (Electronics & Communication) from IIT Kharagpur. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst – Level 2 from CFA Institute, USA. He had worked as a Summer Analyst at Blackstone Real Estate Partners and as Strats Analyst, Investment Management Division at Goldman Sachs – before joining the institute. His interests include travelling, debating and robotics & AI.
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SHUBHAM GOYAL (PGP 2019)
GOLD MEDALLIST AT THE 54th ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Shubham is the Institute Rank 1 of PGP batch 2019 at IIMA and Department Rank 2 of Computer Science 2017 batch at Delhi Technological University. He has been awarded several scholarships such as the HUL T-Thomas scholarship 2018-19 and IIMA and DTU merit scholarships and also was the National Finalist for the Yes Bank Transformation Series 2018. He is also an avid coding enthusiast, video-gamer and social service volunteer who has participated and won national and international video-gaming and coding competitions.
What does being a Gold Medallist mean to you? How has the journey been?
The IIMA Gold medal without any doubt is a highly coveted award and honorable achievement. To me, however, the Gold medal is not merely an award but rather an acknowledgment of my efforts. It is a reminder of my IIMA journey with my friends, the memories, both good and bad and also a testimony to the fact that there is no substitute for hard work.
When I started my IIMA journey, I just wanted to learn, work hard and give my very best. It took some time to get adjusted to the hectic pace of life at the institute and leaving my home and family and being catapulted into that situation was also tough. So initially, I did not set any targets for myself and just wanted to find my “place” at the institute with which my friends and professors at IIMA helped a lot. Throughout my journey, I was privileged to have the students of Section A as my family, with whom I have a lot of fond memories and anecdotes. Once I found my footing, I gradually started working harder and pushing myself to achieve more and slowly, yet surely my efforts bore fruit. The realization that I was a contender for the Gold medal gave me drive and purpose to strive harder and prove to myself that with dedication and hard work, I would be worthy of this honor. So, when I finally received the IIMA Gold medal from Prof. Kaushik Basu, I looked back on my journey from a nervous faccha, struggling to find his place at this institute, to a happy Alumnus who was content with his academic endeavors in the past two years. I realized that this journey was neither a monumental one-day attitude change nor a pre-planned endeavor but rather a gradual and step-by-step journey of self-exploration and realization. While the IIMA Gold medal is an individual award, but it would be a great disservice to claim that it was a result of only my individual effort. This feat would never have been possible without my family, friends, and professors who helped me at each and every step of my journey.
Finally, I would like to share a quote by Justin Kan that “The Journey is its own reward. If not, you are on the wrong path.” and my IIMA journey was no different. It was my journey and the people in it who helped me develop and sustain my convictions and with conviction, came consistency which helped me bag the Gold medal. I believe that I am neither the smartest nor the most knowledgeable student of my batch, but the fact that I achieved Institute Rank 1 always reminds me that with constant dedication, determination, and hard work, anyone can achieve anything.
How has your life been after leaving the campus? What are your fondest memories?
After leaving campus, life has certainly become more relaxed and also a bit dull and monotonous. While I love the opportunity of spending time with my family, I do miss the campus and the people there a lot. The morning lectures, the late-night talks, and discussions with friends and the hustle-bustle at the campus are things that have a unique and irreplaceable charm of their own. I guess that IIMA and its culture does tend to rub off on you and change you for the better and conversely, by becoming a “brick in the wall”, we also supposedly leave a small, yet significant imprint on the institute. Going forward, I am optimistic about the opportunities in the future and would like to proceed slowly and steadily, taking life one step at a time.
I have many fond memories and anecdotes with my friends, section mates, dorm mates and professors at IIMA. During my first case study discussion of “Kanpur Confectionaries Private Limited”, the professor asked me to enact the role of MKG (Mohan Kumar Gupta), the founder and former leader of the firm. The discussion that ensued, mainly comprising of me rebuking my friends enacting the role of MKG’s sons, was quite memorable and fun. During the T-Nite, going to Jhinkpani, Chaibasa to fetch an appropriate CV proof with “sign, stamp and seal” was not exactly enjoyable at that time, but is nonetheless one of my fondest memories. Coordinating and at times bickering with my A4 group mates regarding group PPTs, submissions and especially pre-placement talks seems quite memorable looking back. My section mates coming together to celebrate my birthday, despite me not being able to attend most of their birthdays, meant a lot to me and is a very special and fond memory of mine. Finally, the hoax week with my dorm mates, 1:45 PM surprise quiz anxiety, the pre-course bidding planning with my best friends (still at times resulting in fiascos), the Yes Bank Case competition PPT rehearsal and the fight to fit the presentation within the stipulated time limit and the Bollywood songs and late-night walks with my friends to shove away the pre-C1 nervousness are all memories that are very close to my heart.
I have many, many more fond memories and anecdotes at this institute of mine which are all equally special to me and form an indispensable part of my IIMA journey. On a concluding note, reflecting back on my journey, I feel that IIMA, in terms of friends, memories, learning and recognition gave me much, much more than I ever expected and probably, deserved.
