One word to describe ISB would be "awesome". With professionalism ingrained in every facet of the institute, I am delighted to have joined ISB. I landed in Hyderabad at the new Rajiv Gandhi Airport on 11-Apr evening, around 5:00 pm. Excluding the shop type centres existing in other international airports around the globe, which unfortumately I could not view, even if they were existing, I would rate the Rajiv Gandhi airport as the finest in India and one which is comparable with the charles de gaules, jfks and dubai airports of the world. Facilities are slick and efficient. Could not have asked for a better landing.
The 3 hour journey that followed in a cab to traverse 44 kms. was horrendous. Even by the worst of standards, this distance should not have taken more than 90 mts. But 180 mts is unpardonable, a total waste of time, energy (gas) and of course the additional Rs. 1 that I had to pay for every one minute that the cab took a halt because of a traffic jam/snarl. During this journey, I felt that if all traffic were frozen at a given instant, even an ant would find it difficult to maneouvre on the highway, provided it was alive. Road infratrusture in India is pathetic. Only underground metros or overhead trains and buses can save time/energy/money for the Indian commuters. There has to be an efficient public transport system implemented by the state/central government for the situation to improve.
I spent the evening with a family friend and left for ISB on 12th morning. On entering the ISB campus, I was reminded of similar IIT campuses, set in green backgounds with plenty of trees and untouched natural habitats. Registrations followed. Efficieny and to the point help was provided by the local security guys, ISB alum (2008 batch) and the ISB faculty and administrative staff. I have never witnessed or heard of a more professional setting in India. Hats off to the people who envisioned this and then carved out ISB from this vision. The studio apartment provided to me has a tv, mattress, sofas, fridge, gas burner, toaster, ac, microwave and most importantly all utnesils that I would require on an everyday basis. ISB caters to all needs of the student, right from food to laundry. Students have to focus only on the academics and co-curricular activities at campus. The student villages are situated on 4 corners of the campus with the main ISB building at the centre. The arcitecture has shades of hindu, islamic and persian touches to it. In a nutshell, its not only beautiful in the aesthetic sense but utility drives the entire structure from the student/faculty perspective.
The 444 of us were welcomed by the dean at 7:15 pm, followed by a booze free party. I got an opportunity to interact with many of the 2008 batchers. All smart people with diverse views on how to approach the course. The bottomline from their side was to get involved in all possible activities and meet/network with ur own batchmates. Met a bunch of current students as well. All very bright and intellingent students. Also met Viren Rasquinha. It made my day. A big sports freak that I am, it was my homour to have met a national caption, an olympian and a hockey player of his caliber. Returned to my dorm at 10 and hit the bed hard. At 11:45 pm I heard loud thumping sounds on my door. Time for a booze party. Sheri... I tried to talk my way out of it, as I love sleeping but was sipping Kingfisher within 3 mts. The 2008 batch was singing "Woh Lahme, Wog yaadien" etc.... I assumed it was the 2008 batch as for the 09 batch it was the first day.. so the lahme and yaadien part of it was still some time away.
Talked with an old college buddy who is also there at ISB and then hit the bed after 1 am. First day over.
Second day in progress... will update
Njoi
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