It was just another Sunday, but who knew it could be so different? On March 23rd, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) hosted its second networking event – gathering over 250 students – for its BBA DBE Program at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. Giving the online degree a much-needed offline touch, this event was a culmination of a wide range of perspectives – from faculty, industry leaders and students – creating an atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and innovation.
From the very beginning, the energy in the room was palpable; students stirred in their seats, bubbling for the wait to end. It finally did as Amrit Kumar Dash stepped on stage. A life lesson, as much of a platitude as necessary, was taught – Failure is a bitter medicine, but it is the only cure. He spoke of his journey from a 10th-grade student, tackling academics, to an IIT Madras graduate – a benchmark of success. His story was one every student in the audience had lived in one way or another; the relatable experience set a positive tone for the day.
Following a heartful round of applause, it was now time for an illuminating session by Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, who introduced the concept of the Serendipity Engine, demonstrating how luck is real but not coincidental. We can create our luck. The most unexpected experiences are doorways to life-changing opportunities; therefore, keeping your mind open to new experiences is key.
The momentum continued with a keynote session by Anuj Gupta, Vice President at Tata Sons. Planning is important, but consistency is paramount. Mr Gupta shared insights into corporate leadership and strategic decision-making, all while emphasizing one basic principle – consistency. Once decided, passion must be the driver to the completion of any task. He underscored the value of taking calculated risks and accepting the inevitability of adaptability in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. His career journey, from the instance he quit his job to work with Amit Shah, has served as a testament to the power of resilience in achieving success.
A significant segment of the entire day, and a fan-favourite too, was the panel discussion featuring renowned industry leaders—Nupur Arya – Board Advisor, International Amusement Ltd., Divleen Jeji – India Head, Google Health, and Divay Pranav – Head of Mobility, Hyundai Motors. The panellists engaged in a dynamic conversation about networking, mentorship, and career growth.
Today, networking is defined as the number of LinkedIn connections one has. Mr. Divay Pranav questioned this notion, highlighting, “It’s not about how many people you know; it’s about who remembers you when it matters.” Further supporting this stance, Ms. Nupur Arya encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, interact beyond their usual circles, and embrace diverse perspectives – this is the true essence of networking.
The genuineness of the discussion was highlighted when the panellists, themselves, seemed to arrive at a paradox. On one end of the scale, Mr Divay Pranav stated that mentorship takes many diverse and unexpected forms; his most valuable advice, after all, came from an office peon. Ms. Nupur tipped the scale to the other end, citing her best mentor – her professor at Harvard. Highlighting the importance of strong bonds and expertise in mentors.
As the event progressed, attendees seized the opportunity to build meaningful connections over an interactive networking lunch. Conversations flowed freely, fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones. This was also when the students, divided into various teams, came together to discuss their pitch for the Ideathon. Arguably, the students’ highlight of the day, the Ideahton brought together batchmates to brainstorm innovative solutions for enhancing peer engagement and knowledge sharing, and pitch these ideas to Professor Suresh himself! It was a true joy to see the Professor actively listening and questioning these pitches; the program’s commitment to experiential learning was defined.
The day concluded with a networking high tea, where attendees reflected on their key takeaways and continued to forge professional connections in a relaxed setting. The event was more than just an opportunity to gain knowledge—it was a space to build a strong and supportive community. Relationships forged in fire are born from such initiatives, and an event of this scale was fuel in the flame.