In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies.

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby.

The reached out to  Mervin Sebastian .

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

Reading novels, philosophy books

From how long have you been pursuing it?

For more than 6 years

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it?

12 hours

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

I used to read these book during my travel to college everyday

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

Yes it keeps my mind refreshed and makes me more focussed in my studies.

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

No, I wont

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

Only by pursuing hobbies one becomes a total person

 In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

The first one we touched base with is Gotety Shrinivas Sudhir from SIES College Of Management Studies. 

What is the Hobby that you pursue? 

I am into wildlife and nature photography. Am still in the semi-professional stage but hope to reach a level one day (and hopefully, soon) where I can become a full time professional.

From how long have you been pursuing it?

For the past 6 years. Most of it as just an experiment. But got into serious photography a couple of years back.

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it ?
 

Around 5-6 hours clicking and another 5-6 for the post processing and uploading. Who counts really. The more time I spend with it, the better.

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

I have my weekends off which I spend wholly pursuing my hobby. All assignments and submissions can wait till Monday.

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

It sure does! It gives me a release from the routine and the hustling confusion of a management course. Gets my head straight and freshens me up for another week of grueling lectures and presentations. Without photography am sure I’d go nuts with the course in no time.

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

Never. You never really need to ‘take time out’ to do something that you really love. A person who loves reading would read in his cell phone crammed into a corner of the crowded morning local trains. Its all about passion. Once the concept of ‘devoting time’ to it comes up, it just remains a hobby. Not a passion.

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

Just one sentence. You are missing out on a big part of your lives. 
I mean, think of it. You find an engineer or a manager at every street corner these days. All leading dull, uninteresting robotic lives. Do you find good singers, dancers, authors and even photographers for that matter as easily? It is a talent that must be nourished. Not suffocated due to reasons like academics.

In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

We reached out to Herbert Gnana Raj Varkees from LIBA college

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

Theaters artist

From how long have you been pursuing it?

3 years

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it?

10 hours in a weekend

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

By completing my assignments and work every day and fixing the time prior in the theater group for working with them :)

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

Yes. It motivates me to perform new things in my course

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

Might be. But as of now have not faced any difficulty

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

Make time. it is always there 4 you :)

In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

We reached out to Dhawal G. Sharma from 

Medi-Caps Institute of Technology & Management

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

Numismatics (Coins Collection – Ancient), 3D Model Designing

From how long have you been pursuing it?

I have inherited Numismatics as a hobby from my father Mr. Girish Sharma and technically I’m pursuing it right from a very young age. I have been doing 3D Model Designing from about 3 years. You can find my few models onsketchup.google
.com.
3 years ago, I thought about participating in Fests conducted by IITs and by working on projects I found bliss in designing.

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it. ?

There is no such fixed time for the hobbies. Whenever I feel free and want to be in a state of solace, I do 3D Modeling. Numismatics is in my blood, I’m always surrounded by ancient coins and my father keeps ingratiating me with new stuffs related to it.

 
How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

Up to now I haven’t found it difficult to manage time because I believe that if someone pursues something with immense passion then automatically everything will fall at its right place. Whenever I feel that it’s the time to bring out the creative side, I start designing models.

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

In a way, Yes! As far as Numismatics is concerned, it has helped my do well in my interviews and at the same time it helped me to be connected with history and have a global awareness. For 3D modeling, one requires being too particular about miniscule details as well, it has allowed me to be more analytical and that has helped me in my academics

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

I would never ever do such a thing because by doing so I would be disconnecting myself from something that drives me. Letting go isn’t a right way, if one tries to pursue it even in time crunch, then on a later part it would help him manage time more efficiently

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

Academics will make you achieve one or the other thing. But hobbies would make you more dynamic which is the utmost necessity be it corporate world, technical stuff, etc. It is an escape way from your worries and tension. Always have an aim behind the hobby that is what you want your hobby to bloom into? In my case, it is bringing Indian Heritage back to our country in the form of coins so that our coming generations would know how rich our heritage is!

One of the coins from my father’s collection

Chandragupta II Coin(Single known piece on the planet)

Time period - 375-413/15 AD

Front Face –

King facing to left with Greek head gear..

Reverse Side –

Ornamented human shaped Garuda(Eagle) surrounded by Brahmi legend – Param Bhagwat Maharaja-dhiraj Shri Chandraguptasya  

My father has been called to present a paper at the Oxford University and British Museum on this coin

About Dhawal

[University Topper]
[S.S.B.(Service Selection Board) Recommended]
[Electronics Technocrat]
[Numismatist]
[Google Sketch-Up Master]
[Ethical Hacker]
[Graphix Enhancement Designer]
[3D Modeling]
[Sound Designer]
[3DS MAX Designer]
[Rich Internet Application(RIA) Designer(Flex)]

Got good score in GRE+CAT+GATE

Cracked 3 placement drives.

www.facebook.com/dhawalgsharma

Hello Friends

It gives us immense pleasure to announce Kulin Choksi as the Member of the Month - April.

His last months activity has churned out some interesting conversations in the forum. His thoughts and opinions have encouraged healthy discussion. 

Thank you Kulin. You will soon receive a token of appreciation from our side. 

In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

We got in touch with Karthik Anand from Vellore Institute of Technology to know what keeps him busy apart from his academics

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

I have been pursuing my most interesting hobby of photography, especially street photography &  capturing special moments which I spend with my friends.

From how long have you been pursuing it?

I have been pursuing this hobby for an year now.

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it?

Though the time in the weekdays is devoted to education, weekends are for hobby. On a whole, I spend at least 20 hours a week.

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

The number of MBA'S who are passing out in each and every year is in steady incline, in order to get noticed you must do something unique & be unique. Photography is the unique language which even the deaf & dumb can understand. So the world is way too large, don't just confine yourself within a classroom.

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

'You are able to do what you like', just this phrase could give you so much of energy & motivation. Both to be successful in studies & photography you got to have a better 'focus'. My hobby and my studies share common things and it transforms me into a better person.

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

I don't treat my hobby just as hobby alone. It gives me happiness. Will you be ready to forgo your happiness when you face a crunch time?! Nahhh you won't. It has almost become like an identity. Never let it go.

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

Grade sheets or Money because of the MBA degree through a job cannot buy happiness. We did that particular thing only because it gave us happiness. Happiness is what important in everyone's life, don't get addicted towards the materialistic way of leading life. You will regret for it later. I can bet you on that.

Some of Karthik's click

 In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

We got in touch with Swapnil Waichale from IIM Ahemadabad to know what keeps him busy apart from his academics.

1. What is the Hobby that you pursue?

I pursue a lot of hobbies! It depends on availability of time and other people. For example, I like playing TT, Tennis, Football, Volley-ball, Chess when I find like-minded people free. When no-one is free and I have to pass good time, I try singing, playing flute, Pencil-sketching, etc. I also like to express my feelings through poetry in Marathi, Hindi, and English. I have published 30 marathi poems on marathikavita.co.in.

  कर लो दुनिया मुठ्ठी में 
हे मनुष्य जिंदगी में जीतने की प्यास हो
याद रखना बात ये ऊँचे तेरे ध्यास हो 
दिल में जिस विश्वास नहीं ऊँचा उसका सर नहीं 
पाना है मंजिलो को मुश्किलों से डर नहीं
उड़ना सारे जोर से छूना है वो आसमां
मूड ना जाना मोड़ पे जीतना सारा जहाँ 
दिल लगा के काम कर पूरी अपनी निष्ठां से
आएगी मिलने गले विजयमाला इच्छा से
                         -स्वप्निल वायचले  (Old one…written before coming to IIMA)

I have represented IIM-Ahmedabad in Inter-IIM Sports Meet called Sangharsh 2012 in Tennis and as a part of the team, won Gold medal. I have represented IIM-Ahmedabad in National Inter-B-School Sports meet of MICA called SAMAR 2012 in TT, Tennis, Volleyball, Chess and Cricket. In this competition, I was part of teams that won gold in chess, Silver in Tennis Men’s doubles, Tennis Mixed doubles, TT Mixed-Doubles, and Cricket.

2. From how long have you been pursuing it?

Different hobbies started enchanting me at different points of time. Because of my mother’s guidance and teaching, I managed to get admission in IIT-Bombay and my journey in the worlds of hobbies began!

In my tenure of 5 years in IIT-B (2004-2009) (Dual Degree mechanical), I learnt to play TT in first year, Football in second year, Pencil sketching in 2^nd year summer holidays, Volley-ball in third year, Poetry in 4^th year, & Tennis in 5^th year. Everything continued since then!

After my engineering days were over (2009), I got placed in ONGC in which I used to work in offshore drilling rig called Sagar-Gaurav. There I used to work in adventurous and physically challenging conditions in both day and night shifts. The machines used to be so noisy, that we couldn’t hear anything. There I started singing aloud. I am not a very good singer, only an amateur! But I would love to improve!

Then in 2011, I got admission into IIM-Ahmedabad. In my first year (1 months after my admission), I started learning to play flute on my own, and I can play quite a few combinations and can imitate quite a few songs easily.

So, every year, I started learning a new art/sport and I tried to improve in all of them, as much as I can.

All these hobbies I have learnt on my own, without any coaching. It’s not because I have something against coaching, but most of the time, finding a coach was costly and time-consuming. So I just started on my own. I would like to stress that leaving aside my Tennis racquet; all my hobbies have been very economical! So it doesn’t cost you anything apart from curiosity and will-power to excel at something!

3. How much time in a week are you able to devote to it. ?

When I am busy in curriculum or work, I spend at least 1 hour daily on my hobbies. When relatively free, I spend more time (2-3 hours daily)

4. How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

I feel that pursuing hobbies helps in relaxing. Physical activities help me in being physically fit, while the art forms keep my mind free and relaxed. Therefore, I find myself to be more productive in work. Therefore, I plan accordingly to get myself free time.

5. Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

Yes. Being physically fit and mentally relaxed helps me in being fresh, thinking on my feet, and thinking differently. It helps me to optimize my time better by doing work efficiently. In fact, you can never find me out of enthusiasm or energy. My hobbies let me get high on enthusiasm and energy!

6. Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

I generally see to it that I do not fall into time crunch situations. If at all I find myself in one, it’s just a question of priorities. If the work is at higher priority, I will devote my time to it. I always get back to my hobbies once the work is finished.

7. What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

I have experienced that a human being has enormous capabilities and can achieve seemingly impossible things if one believes in oneself. Mostly it happens that we don’t believe in ourselves that we could, for example, play tennis or write poems. I sincerely believe that if one tries, one can get better at almost anything.

Developing and pursuing hobbies is the best relaxing activity according to me. In addition, I can connect easily with many people just because we share some hobby in common. So, just follow your heart. 

Some of my works:

One spark is enough to burn down a forest

Fuelled by the wind grows impossible to arrest

Feed your interests with the fuel of confidence

Talent is not something just only coincidence!

First step is never perfect, but really required

Practice helps in getting the deftness acquired

There are some people who never give a try

I keep wondering really, what’s there to shy!

                                     - Swapnil Waichale  (Very Recent One)

My Teachers

They teach us the methods and values of life

They teach us the lessons of passion to strive

They are the nobles who share their knowledge

Knowledge that converts us, humans from savage

They are the sources of great inspiration

They teach us to dream and have aspiration

Not only that they show us the way

To fulfil the dreams and be happy & gay

The teachers are revered for the service they offer

For the sake of humanity and not just some copper

Theirs is the life of the selfless donors

Here is a poem of some heart-felt honours

- Swapnil Waichale                                  (Written for Teacher’s day celebration in IIMA)

And this I wrote to welcome my juniors in IIM Ahmedabad:

This is written for all dear fachchas                       (The 1^st Year Students)
warm welcome from your tuchchas                       (The 2^nd Year Students)

If you have got any doubts 
don't hesitate just make some shouts 
even if it's only the whereabouts
we will help u through the routes

This is the place for great connections
Be it dorms or the academic sections
You're to have great memory collections
from acads to sports to general elections!

Best of the profs will be there to teach you
Best of the alumni will be eager to reach you
you're the fuel that runs the system
system that earns you the lifelong esteem 

be assured this place is a wonder
as electrifying as is a thunder
This is where you start making a difference
this is your brand your lifelong reference!

-Swapnil Waichale                                          (Very Recent One)

In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

Many actually. I love to sing, write, travel, photograph etc etc. But the one thing that I hold closest to myself is art. When I paint, I go to my happy place.

I used to put my artworks and articles on my blog: http://fortheloveoflife.wordpress.org/ and a few people approached me to paint for them. I thought, why not? I would have done it for free, but they insisted on compensation and that was when my hobby also turned in to an alternativeprofession...ve
ry
recently, just 5 years ago.

For how long have you been pursuing it?

For as long as I can remember. I started out by doodling on walls like so many other kids. When I started to speak, I would always keep singing whatever the TV played – movie songs, ad jingles, you name it... I believe I used to drive my mother crazy with my repeated renditions of ‘Chandrakanta..Ki Kahaani’ and ‘Alif Laila’.

However, writing and photography are relatively recent...about 10-11 years J, I think I started them thanks to my Dad’s travel bug... wherever he went, he used to always take me with him, and I wanted those moments to be preserved.

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it ?

That’s the best part of having a hobby! You need not ‘schedule’ it per se... once you start thinking about specifically allocating time for it, it takes the fun out of it. I believe that if you are really into it, you will definitely find time. Skip that re-run of TBBT and do your thing!

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

Wow! Never really thought of balancing it, you know. But if you want a course of action from me I’d say that a B-School offers you many opportunities to showcase your hobbies as ‘PORs’ (Positions of Responsibility). I was a part of the Creative and Design (Digital) Team in IIM Indore, so that gave me a valid excuse to spend time on my passion, and also learn a lot from my other team members and seniors.

I still like to doodle on walls, but something told me that the hostel authorities wouldn’t be too excited about it, so I have my own private journal where I like to sketch cartoons on the day’s events, like a doodle journal...and yes, during my Mechanical Engg days, I would make a cartoon on the prof teaching us during a particularly slow lecture... However, I would advise against this last one in a b-school; especially if your prof likes to cold call.

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

If you don’t mind my saying so I feel that this question literally begs an answer like ‘yes... it helps me de-stress, and I perform better etc etc’. But to be candid, I would say, to be in the top 10% of your batch, you need to put in work, there’s no substitute for that. Just having and pursuing a hobby will not magically crank up your grades.

Well to understand my answer you would need to know this... I paint in many different media, like oils, acrylics, waters and various styles...like abstract, still lifes, knife painting, Tanjore painting etc... and these do not get done in a day. You have to devote a sizeable chunk of time every day, at least 4-5 hours and you may finish it in a month. So if I started a full on Tanjore Painting in a regular B-School term, bye-bye pass grades! If you have such an interest, you have to make choices. I made mine.

I unwind myself by sketching and putting on music and singing along while making presentations/ writing assignments etc, and this relaxes me.

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

You have to get your priorities right. What is more important to you, and why exactly are you doing an MBA. As I said earlier, I had to make choices. But fortunately, right after my engineering, I opted to take a year’s sabbatical. I travelled. I painted. I retailed a few of my paintings. I worked as a freelancer for content development. When IIM Indore happened a few months later, I was refreshed enough to get back in to the classroom mode.

In fact, I believe my different course of action after Engineering worked in my favour. I changed the form of my hobby. Also, I would always paint during the term breaks. Right now, I am painting a 20’ x 18’ abstract, you will see it soon on my blog.

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

To be fair to the system, I believe that B-schools nowadays favour diversity in your profile (I agree that it might not be immediately apparent), and prefer both sides of your brain to be in working condition... But my artistic bent did give me an edge over my peers. Also, I was able to bag a summer internship project in Brand Management in one of the biggest automotive companies of India solely due to my creative background.

I would tell them to think about their decision. Are they doing it under any sort of external pressure (be it peer or familial), or because they feel that their interest has run its natural course and it is time to give it up? Because whatever your decision may be, you should do it for the right reasons. Let me share my experience:

I took up piano lessons while in school, and my teacher told me that I showed a lot of promise. Everything was going well. But piano requires dedication. To be decent enough, you have to put in at least two years of regular practice. I started late, and within a year, std XII boards were on me. I chose to give it up completely. I might play a few notes now and then, but it is not the same. If you have to let it go, you have to... and that’s your call.

 In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

We caught up with Pa.Badrinarayanan from IIM Indore to find out what drives him towards following his passion

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

I am a singer and I sing different forms of Music – Carnatic, Bhajans & Contemporary. I have also written and composed a few songs in Carnatic style.

From how long have you been pursuing it?

Since U.K.G, though different forms, at different stages; I started learning Carnatic music at the age of 6 and has participated in a lot of competitions and T.V. shows. During engg. at NIT Trichy, founded Amruthavarshini, an exclusive Carnatic Music club. It gave me the opportunity to share musical knowledge with a lot of people from various parts of country. I also participated in weekly Bhajan sessions of Sathya Sai Seva Samithi in Chennai during weekends. When I shifted to Noida to work, I improved my Hindustani skills through its Delhi chapter. And now in IIM Indore, I sing contemporary as part of Harmon-I, the Music Troupe of IIM Indore and have even started appreciating Western Music.

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it. ?

Normally 2-3 hours a week exclusively for Music, add 2 more otherwise; however, during shows and competitions we spend 3-4 hrs a day practicing.

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

Though I am actively involved in Music, it is my choice that Music is not my career for various reasons. So naturally, I have to give preference to my studies over Music. Just having this clarity has ensured that I don’t compromise on MBA for Music. I am ready to compromise everything else for Music, for it is a part of my life. Simply put, having my priorities right helps me balance all my activities!

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

Yes. First, we learn Music by listening and thus our listening capability and concentration in class is better. We don’t see the lyrics every-time we sing, we listen to our Music teacher and repeat for 3 times, the fourth time it automatically gets etched in our memory; As a result, I have always taken at least 20% less time than my friends to study something that I had listened to in class. I have cracked quizzes without studying just by listening to a recap from my friend. Winning and losing in various competitions helps me stay calm during ups and downs. Last but not the least, Music relaxes my mind. Even now, when I study for long hours with my friends, we take short breaks to listen to Music. And I am sure all my friends will agree to it!

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

For me, Music is a part of life. I keep singing all the time which even irritates others at times. In normal days, a normal MBA student needs maximum 3 hrs a day for academics according to me. A sincere student may need an hour or two more. 4 hrs of classes, 1 hr for food and 6 hrs of sleep gives a free time of about 8 hrs. Even if he is involved in clubs and other activities, spending an hour for something you enjoy will never be difficult.

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

Letting go of your hobbies will not help you tackle the rigor of MBA. It is your passion that makes you grow as a human being. Being future managers, take it as a challenge to find time for your passion. If you are unable to pursue your passion at college, try something similar to it. If you are still unconvinced, remember that you have to fill extra-curricular activities section in your C.V. I am sure you’ll find time and way for it now!

In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby. 

We reached out to Chaitanya Udare from JBIMS

What is the Hobby that you pursue?

A hobby is something that you pursue in leisure time. Table Tennis for me is more than just a hobby. I take out time specially to play.

From how long have you been pursuing it?

I started playing Table Tennis in the 3^rd standard. I first played in a Summer Camp at my school, Fr. Agnel, and haven’t looked back since. Right now it has been 15 years of playing. 

How much time in a week are you able to devote to it?

Due to the hectic MBA course keeping a regular playing schedule is not possible. But generally I am able to squeeze in an hour or 2 of practice every day after lectures or sometimes even between lectures. During Sundays and holidays I get more time to play. On an average I am able to devote around 10 hours every week to practice.

How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby?

My principal in school had told me that ‘Studies and sports can go hand in hand’ and I follow this saying of his. Playing Table Tennis is something that really freshens me up. The time I spend playing Table Tennis provides me with a life which is completely different than the regular course.

Right now my main focus is on the MBA course, but whenever I get free time I go to practice rather than spend time on other activities.

Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics?

The most important quality that I have inculcated by playing is ‘Focus’. Table Tennis is a game which is played at such a fast pace that even a slight lapse in concentration can make you miss the ball. This power of concentration has helped me a great deal in studies and I am able to complete my studies at a faster pace.

While playing Table Tennis at the National level I realized that staying calm and thinking clearly is very crucial as most of the games are closely fought. This quality has helped me especially during exams.

Also Table Tennis has inculcated in me a deep desire to constantly improve myself and has made me realize that competing with yourself is most important rather than benchmarking.

Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

Since the MBA course began, I have asked myself repeatedly, ‘‘What kind of a manager are you if you cannot manage to give time for the things you love?” This question has kept me motivated and helps me “manage” more than what the course demands.

I don’t think I can ever let go off Table Tennis as it has become an addiction for me. 

What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics?

I believe that there is no single correct path. Each will have his or her own thinking. I choose to continue playing because I enjoy playing a lot and would be thoroughly bored if I focus plainly on studies. But that does not mean that plainly focusing on academics is wrong. The most important thing is to enjoy whatever you are doing.

Hello,

GD-PI’s are a very crucial part of a management student’s life. So we thought of doing a few things around it.

For GD-PI

[Video] GD and PI tips by Parag Chitale

[E-Book] Tips for GP and PI Preparation

With the hiring season around we fleshed out a pretty infographic and collated some real life interview experiences.

For Jobs

[Infographic] 12 tips on how to hunt for a job

Real Life Placement Interview of SIMC Student

Real Life Placement Interview of NMIMS Student

Real Life Placement Interview of NMIMS Topper

Real Life Placement Interview of SIBM Student

Also while you are here, jump into some of the most interesting discussion threads and check out our new hobby series.

Hot Topics

Is digital marketing a waste of money?

Why did Facebook Pay a billion dollars for its Instagram Acquisition ?

Is Your Leadership Style Important?

Hobby Series

Hobby Series - Anjali finds her love for writing poetry

Hobby Series - Photography is Saurabh's part of daily life

Hobby Series - Shaishav writes to stimulate thoughts

Stick Around,

Cheers

MP Team

 In an age where the CAT score defines the success of an individual, many lost touch with their inner selves. While many didn't.

This series is going to be an effort to explore what made certain people stay in touch with their true selves by sticking to their passions or hobbies. 

We hope it inspires other MBA's to revive their long gone passion and manifest in a form of a hobby.

We reached out to Saurabh Gour from IIM Indore to explore his passion           

1.    What is the Hobby that you pursue?

Photography

2.    From how long have you been pursuing it?

About a year

3.    How much time in a week are you able to devote to it?

8 - 9 hours

4.    How do you manage to maintain a balance between the MBA course and your hobby? 

It is natural for me to find time. I like photography so much that I have built in the tendency to find time even when I am in most stressful situation. It has become a part of my daily life.

5.    Does pursuing the hobby in fact help you perform better in academics? 

Not exactly. However it has changed my perspective. I have started appreciating things around me. I look at things in artistic way and try to find out the best part of it which not only helps me in my personal life but also in professional life. One needs to appreciate people for what they do best.

6.    Would you let go of the hobby if you start to face a time crunch?

 I started photography as stress buster activity. Now I am so involved in it that I don’t think I will ever let it go.

7.    What would you like to say to those who have let go of their passion plainly to focus on academics? 

Only one line should be enough if they can understand – Academics will stay with you for not more than 4 years but what will stay with you for eternity is your hobby what you like most.

Here are some beautiful clicks by Saurabh