This is it...

And so it ends... The day that everyone (or atleast I) had thought about to end in a particular fashion is finally upon me. But what was to be expected out of it,really...why did it have to something different? Afterall, it is just the end of an academic cycle. An innocuous cycle that promises to enrich lives and change perspectives.

It feels like any other day, the shrill bell of the alarm in the morning, half open eyes and sleepily nodding heads in the class, the bustle of the college; its all the usual. Probably the unusual will start tomorrow when there are no more classes to go to, no more assignments to finish, no more parties to attend, but yes...an office to go to, unfamiliar faces to see, new acquaintances to make.

I'd rather enjoy the day than think of the morrow, i too feel like a clinger. Even though i do not want to be one...but for once, the humane side is kicking in strongly.

This is it...for now yes! but...this is surely not the end...for it is just the end of a chapter, not the book. Turn the Page...

The Season of GoodByes

"Baby won't you tell me why, there is sadness in your eyes...I don' want to say Goodbye to you..." - MLTR

What is it about goodbyes that makes us feel so melancholic. Why is it that we do not want to part ways - with people, with objects, with places, with memories too? I once heard somewhere that in order to appreciate the joy of meeting, you need to endure the pain of separation. How true it is still why is it that we are all down and blue at the prospect of separation...

I came here an year ago with a barren landscape greeting me out of the beautiful french windows of the bedroom. The Dry and Spindly branches, brown with age and parched in the heat; dry twigs, brown leaves, dusty earth and a surreal stillness all around. Time passed and with the rains, the barren landscape was brought to life - New Life, Green Life, Vinrant and Fresh Life, a Promising life; The greenery gave way to bright flowers and shade, the comfort it brought made me feel good about life and now again the cycle is almost completing itself, the life has faded away and the barren landscape is reforming in my backyard. The sunlight seems to be draining away the energy as if the vegetation is being forcibly pulled away from something it loves dearly. A solemn indication that it is time to leave the place that has served as home for the last year - the year of weeks. A full circle has been completed.

In this day and age, how difficult is it to stay in touch? I feel, it's all in the mind, you just need the will to connect and your friends and family are near you. Objects/Possessions et al are all perishable (pretty philosophical) and can be upgraded/lugged along; It is, however, the people around us that we miss the most. I am a firm believer that it just takes one phone call and an updated phone directory to get in touch and relive all the moments all over again.

Goodbyes should not be undertaken with a heavy heart, they are an opportunity to explore newer vistas, newer people, newer places and newer things. It is only when the human spirit is not bound by any shackles (physical or emotional) that we can appreciate the change. B-schools worldwide, typically have a change management course. I have not studied the same so i am not an authority to comment on the content but i feel it should teach more of personal change enduring capabilities and the capacity to adapt to change in life per se. You should become strong enough to face any problem in life with a smile and an optimistic attitude.

All I see these days are countdowns for days to leave, farewell parties and future plans...topped off with a generous dose of rememberance and a lost gaze as people drown themselves in the uncharted sea of their own thoughts. Emotions - beautiful , good, bad and ugly are all in a whirlpool distracting you from all that is far more important and needs immediate attention. It's the safety of the past that everyone is seeking as the future is unsure. Why do we keep forgetting at all times that the future is in fact secure due to the wonderful set of people around us that makes our present. We all have a cushion and no one is alone. Even if we do not realize, there are people around you to take care of your persona, your emotions, memories and whims. Just call out loud!!!

Life is not a full stop at any junction, its an opportunity to slow down, reflect, learn and carry on. Its only due to these pauses that we become wiser by the day.

So, please do not let the dry branches, tree stumps and harsh sun dry your spirits in your quest to move on. Everyone is there just for you.

"In my search for freedom and peace of mind, I've left the memories behind...Wanna start a new life, but it seems to be rather absurd, when i know the truth...is that I always think of You...Someday...Somewhere, together we'll be baby...." - MLTR once again to the rescue :)

An Year in Weeks

Much has been said about how time flows especially when you are in the midst of doing something exciting,creative or relaxing but this was one exception where time flew in a setting where we were actually slogging!
The year at ISB that just started on 11th April 2009 is almost on the verge of culminating in a mixed emotional potpourri. What seemed like a long time to pass, has already passed and here i am ready to take on the world! (or so it seems).
Life here has been compartmentalised into a weekly orientation. It started off with the O-week, then it was the Pre-term Week and finally the weeks that composed the terms. All Assignments, classes, activities, outings, parties etc. were oriented around the weekly schedule. The terms also had the midterm week and the endterm week but their seriousness diluted as the weeks progressed.
Never in my life has an year passed so fast. Was it the effect of the week or was it a dirty sleight of my mind?
And here we are at the juncture where after the 'placement week', many of us are looking for a working week and many more are looking for placement week(ends).
Ah! the importance of a week.
Till now it was deadline oriented and now it will be weekend oriented once i move out of here. But the quintesstial week will continue to mould the lifestyle of a new, fresh and nuevo-enthu breed of aspiring managers.
Looking forward to this week and the next and the weeks beyond!