Aikhya - A unique event at ISB

Aikhya - the host family network has been launched today at ISB. Our group is hosted by Mr and Mrs. Vervetwala. Mrs. Dinaz is the famous lady who runs multiple fitness centres in Hyderabad. She and her husband, Mr. Jamshed Vervetwala have come to ISB today.

Key highlight of the program was the performance by Anand, Co 08. I and Anand were in the same group during preterms. I never imagined that he can sing so well. Both the devotional songs were fantastic and the most popular one was the Kishoreda's song. The last song was to illustrate the frustrations of the students after they get to see their term final exams. Most of us, incuding me, think that we will do well in one of the subjects and will be highly confident about our grade but when the results always beat our expectation. You will do well in a subject that you may have not done well (according to you) and you will not do so well in which you are supposed to top the class (according to you).

The interaction with Vervetwalas was very interesting. They were very happy to meet and so did we.

One interesting observation about this event is that it is very unique as a sociological event. In a normal situation it is very difficult to establish any relationship. It generally takes a lot of time and effort to establish credibility and trust. But in this case the host family and the student group can gain mutual trust very quickly and the relationship will move in positive direction right from the beginning. The credibility of the school as a platform plays a very important role. In normal course it would take a lot of time for me or any one else in my group to meet someone like Dinaz, interact with her and establish trust. But in the Aikhya scenario, it is instant. Our group has been invited for Dinner to Vervetwala's place the coming Friday. All my group members thoroughy enjoyed the interaction and are looking forward for the visit.

I'm sure it is also highly beneficial for the host family to interact with a group of students. Students can bring in different perspectives based on their education, experience and exposure.

Looks like admission fever for Co 09 is catching up. People keep searching ISB essays, IIM-PGPX essays. For all those who are googling on web, my advise is: Read some stories about successful admits that are available at GMAC.com and think on your own. You can find standard structure of an essay on web quite easily, just follow it. But the more important thing is the idea that you want to convey to the reader. Just focus on that. Prepare multiple drafts and show it to close friends and seek feedback. I think three to four rounds of vetting should do. Best of luck to you all.