Thursday, June 4, 2009

Week 5 !!!

Week 5, which btw got over last sunday, gets its due share today..... Week 6 beginning were end terms thereby bolstering my resistance to not-log-in here....

Week 5 was adrenaline rush , courtesy the assignments due before end terms and off course the end term preparations which were supposedly in full swing .... However what I intend to pen down today is the unique experience i had in week 5 ... I ran in elections @ ISB .. It was for the post of director - alumni affairs ... Before you have an adrenaline rush let me tell you that I lost .... But it was great fun coupled with great learning ...

Elections were on Thursday and Wednesday was the soap box presentations .... Tuesday evening was deadline for drafting a manifesto .... Till monday evening i was contemplating the option whether to do it or not ... Then came the shocker mail on monday evening 7 PM which said that due to plethora of contestants the deadlines were revised and now manifestos were due tuesday morning ... I almost stepped out ... I was working on assignment with my study group and at 10 we had barely started ...

Then we started the debate of to do or not to do ... I almost convinced 2 of my study group mates for standing in elections too .. they were interested and motivated but ultimately backed out citing genuine reasons ... In the process I was sure that I would run if I am able to draft a decent manifesto ... I started it at 1 am and finished it at 5 am .. thansk to all my study group mates i could have decent reveisions too .... sent the manifesto and next up was the soap box presentations ....

Went for classes at 8 came back at 1 , had lunch and called SRK for my presentation and practice... I could do a decent practive but at the end was not too convinced of my own o/p.. and then for the moment i got panicked when i entered the khemka auditorium .. i thought i m so under prepared.. but then neha and sk wee there to boost me up .. what workes wonders for me was one line whch Shom said " What matters is the experience . This is the place to fail." I was suddenly looking forward to it. At the end i did a okayish kind of job while presenting my candidature but was happy that i atleast attempted.. the candidate who won definitely was better and deserving ... I got the experience and I was happy... I was told that my output was very good given the effort i put in the process .... 4 hrs manifesto and 4 hrs soapbox... In the end a win win for me ....

Apart from elections nothing week 5 offered fadm assignments , eco assignments etc but they were routines...

Week 6 had end terms .. details in next post ...
----------------
This is my first ever election manifesto ( could be last too ) !!! (Thanks Adarsh!!!!)

Manifesto – Director Alumni Affairs – ISB Co 2010Pranay Raicha - 9666407210

The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow comes through a Vision. Take up that ONE vision. Make that vision your life - think of It, dream of It, live for It.

-Confucius, The Chinese Philosopher

When I started writing this manifesto there was a strong urge to define a vision which would carry forward the legacy of Alumni affairs. The vision that I have for Alumni Affairs council is:-

“To nurture the alum relationships by harnessing the existing infrastructure and fostering innovative ideas resulting in a resonating community.”

Below is my thought process to achieve what I have envisioned.

1) Instilling a sense of belongingness in our Alumni :- We always have expectations from our Alumni. How about giving something back to them as current students? I believe there is a need to inculcate a feeling in Alumni that they are still ISBians and that ISB is still their abode. This can be achieved bya. Revamping the Alumni site to not only act as a social networking portal but also give them more details and make it easily accessible to all ISBians.b. Inviting alums to all activities and events happening @ ISB; (incl. parties for Hyd alums )c. Releasing an Alum newsletter chronicling the happened , happening and yet to happen events alongside any relevant information.

2) Smooth alumni interaction :- Coordination is the key here. Considering that time is of essence to all ISBians I will ensure sure that all the clubs/activities requiring an Alum interaction are channelized and directed in the most efficient and effective manner possible. This will help encapsulate alum involvement and eliminate redundant efforts.

3) Tap and Build upon existing programs :- Will continue to build upon the programs like Shadow your alum, A day in work life of your alum and will stimulate similar efforts. I plan to assertively involve successful alums in mentoring current students who aspire to be follow their footsteps. I believe, by one-on-one involvement alums can bring much more to the table.

4) Be Accountable :- I aim to (a) execute recurring checks to ensure all the initiated and intended activities are completed within the designated timeframe and (b) address all concerned issues at the earliest.

Having graduated from IIT Roorkee and with a work experience of 6.5 years I have had enough opportunities and exposure to impart in me the skills that justify my candidature. I am confident of making it a better year for you, for school and last but not the least for the alumni.I had nebular mind initially but now I am sure that together we can make a difference. Together we can have the best SOLSTICE ever.What we need is passion and persistence.

Looking for your valuable support,

Pranay Raicha

“A Student this year. An Alumni Forever.”

No comments: