You and IBSAF…experiences and suggestions…
The IBSAF network is growing faster, stronger; in terms of number of members, locations of chapters, networking and bonding among the members. The activities have presented a very effective network to all the alumni members whose respect for their alma mater is just growing in leaps and bounds. Their affinity to IBS— its faculty members and students— is simply wonderful. The regular interaction of alumni, faculty members and the students is beneficial on numerous planes and everyone stands to gain in the process.

The activities, get-togethers, programs have a lot of variety and generate interest among the participants. All these must continue. During such get-togethers a lot more suggestions and interesting ideas may emerge. My simple suggestion at this stage is to designate one day in a year as “Alumni Day “. All chapters can have suitable grand activities simultaneously at all locations on the same day. This will be a day, I am sure all alumni, faculty members and the staff at all IBS centers will always look forward to in their busy schedule.

Do you think total disorder is total order?
I consider myself as a well organized, meticulous and thorough person. I believe in proper planning and implementation. I go about in an orderly manner about all my tasks, be they small or large, be it planning a major project or a family holiday. Hence, the very word – disorder – is not in my dictionary.

What is your idea and definition of success in life?
I would consider a person successful in life when his/her achievements commensurate his/her knowledge, skills and potential. There are levels of success and some people surprisingly settle with less when they can have more. They do not exert their full potential or competence. I would not rate such a person successful. Success in life should be on all fronts of professional, personal, social and if possible, also spiritual life. A person will be truly successful when he has a balanced score card like this.

Career-driven/ success-oriented students in the 21st century… your observations…
The interaction with the students these days is certainly interesting. The dynamism, willingness to compete and excel, the career driven and success oriented approach is really admirable. Their choice, in any aspect, is always an informed one. They do a thorough research, consult with friends and seniors and take full advantage of the internet which presents them with an ocean of information. Decisions thus taken take them towards their career goals. Their aspirations, ambitions and levels of achievements are really challenging and they are ready to face it head on. My only suggestion to them is that they should be fully aware of the competitive environment in which they have to operate and must equip themselves with the required knowledge, skills and most importantly, should be prepared to put in a lot of hard work. Success comes before work only in the dictionary!

What person, living or dead, do you admire most and why?
Right from my childhood days, I always admired late Shri J R D Tata. His visionary approach, the building up of the Tata group is absolutely commendable. The professional approach and management style are exemplary. The fair and ethical practices in doing the business and the sense of corporate social responsibility imbibed in the group companies have earned them all round respect. I consider myself fortunate to begin my career with a Tata group company.

Your experiences being associated with one of the premiere B-Schools in India…
The experience with IBS and affiliates is truly amazing. Such a commendable growth in the education sector can only be compared with the best of examples in the corporate sector. The approach to pitch the B school against not only the best in India, but against the best in the world makes everyone realize our dream and aspiration. The emphasis on continuously upgrading one’s knowledge through research and publications is intellectually stimulating. The network of IBS B-schools in India, with the hub and spoke approach, and now the plans to set up five IBS schools abroad just prove the point that this is an educational institution with a corporate culture of the highest order.

Your plans for future…
I would love to do my best, contribute through my talent and dedication in this exciting journey on which IBS has embarked upon. The objective is to make IBS, Pune as one of the most preferred and sought after destinations for students, faculty members and recruiters. ◊