Lessons from Joka

1. We got incredibly lucky on a highly error-prone test. This constitutes around 50% of the population and includes me, but this is a significant number. And we need to be grateful to God for this. Whatever happens, the next few years of your life would be defined at least in part by four letters – IIMC.
2. Walking the ramparts of Joka was an honour. Deserved or not, the place is beautiful, and steeped in history. Stellar alumni and distinguished professors. And even more amazing batchmates. Thank you everyone.
3. While we might have gotten lucky on that test, all those naysayers, disparagers and patronizing talkers can go take a hike. After all, we did get lucky on that test and then survived IIMC. We are a tribe and a helluva one at that
4. IIMC doesn’t stand for IIM Chill. If you want to find out, get an admit and accept it. Term I will have you sleep for less than 4 hours a day. I know it! I have done it myself
5. The best way to live in IIM Calcutta is through contributing to student life there. A campus that is run mostly by students requires this. Follow your passions and align it with the greater good of the students. The much treasured and coveted CV points will follow. Atul is a fantastic example
   
6. Life is not only about competition. Pushing others down for your own benefit is the last thing you want to do. If there is one thing that I grew to admire at IIMC is the non-RG culture. And Natty and Lad, the applause you got at your awards might illustrate why that class of 270 people agree with me. While it might be a race against many others, in reality it is a race against yourself
7. And now a lesson from the birds: “Irrespective of what happens, you never know how far away from crap you are in life”
8. People change over those two years in Joka. Not only your colleagues there but also people you thought you knew
9. We have to start giving our Fellowship candidates their due. They do amazing research and break their backs through the year. And people like Satsheelda are truly amazing!
10. Ajith Balakrishnan is a truly amazing individual. Its an honour having him as our Chairman Board of Governors
11. Learn to be patient with people. It helps. If you think you will be able to get along with all kinds of people, you are terribly wrong. But learn to grit your teeth and take it. Because you have to
12. The Dramatics Cell is an experience. The kind of talent that I was witness to there was truly amazing
13. The kind of work that we would be doing after graduating from IIMC is not rocket science. You are doing it, because you are from IIMC. And so, remember to thank your stars.
14. Humility is a virtue
    

P.S: Welcome 46/16