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