The editors wish to express special thanks to

The management of ISBR for visualizing this dream and

formulating it to a reality in form of a book.

The students who have taken time to give their details to make this
dream book a reality.

Gems of ISBR
April 2010

Blessings from
Shri Prakash Kothari & Smt Rasila Kothari

Research & Editorial team

Mr. Manish Kothari
Prof. Amit Gupta
Prof. Preeja Sreedhar
Mr. Bharat Jain
Mr. Mayur Jain
Mr. Amandeep Bath
Mr. Rahul Kanadia
Ms. Sharada Menon

Published by
International School of Business & Research
www.isbr.in

Designed & printed at

SCPL Design, Bangalore, India

For your copy email:

info@isbr.in or call 093417 33331

Your comments and suggestions are welcome at

info@isbr.in

This book may not be reproduced, copied or distributed in part or in whole and in any form - printed,
electronically or any other form whatsoever, without the prior and explicit permission of the publisher.
 This book is dedicated to all those who have shaped and polished our
students to convert them into Gems of ISBR. We together stand united for
a good cause and feel proud that we have nurtured and nourished this bunch
of young people who are on the threshold of professionalism.
Contents
Foreword 7

Words of wisdom 9

Gems of ISBR - Portfolio 10

Memories to cherish 42

Index of names – class of 2007-09 46

Foreword
“Each one makes a difference”
Every individual is unique by the virtue of his or her personal attributes that he or
she tends to carry while dealing with fellow beings. There are certainly certain
personality traits that are inborn and some subjective to grow as one gets inputs
from the external world. That is where we obviously believe learning is an
ongoing process. As zig-zagler quotes “Learn, unlearn and relearn.”

Similarly at ISBR every single student is dear to us, because each one of them has
portrayed different image on the canvas of life. We are indeed proud of them.
However, there were few who broadened and challenged their limits and pushed
the boundaries to stretch their imagination. They were certainly positive catalyst
who aimed to transcend the border between the known and the right.

We take pride in introducing the Best Managers who could think at the speed of
light, be very positive, who gave shapes to their ideas and set the whole campus
with their POSITIVE VIBES.

They perhaps believed in the dictum “pass on the baton of knowledge, exert
yourself beyond the limit, optimize on each one's strength and race towards the
goal of perfect synchronization.”

We are sure you would love to know each one of them, Here they come . . .
Words of Wisdom
There is a magic inherent in success and it never
cease to amaze anyone. Some strange alchemy
leaves the stamp of individuality on everyone of us.
This edition stands testimony to the love and
gratitude that it evokes. It warms the cockles of
one's heart and creates instant camaraderie.
This edition reveals the personality traits, learning
intuitive insight, enriching education, radical
richness, artistry of form, culture, trends setter and
of course truth in the telling undeniably that
transformation is the watchword. The life at the
campus would certainly be the breeding ground
for all success which follows in the later part of life.
Grab opportunity, shape your destiny, and utilize
the resources to the maximum, so you become
better individuals in the society.
Any good academic institution will render the best
opportunity to make a holistic approach, be it co-
curricular activities, seminars, Leadership
development programs, workshops etc. However
the participation, interest and overall positive
qualities should be brought to the table by the
faculty so as to motivate and encourage the
budding managers.
At ISBR we have always worked for the personality
development of our students through our varied
approaches. We have different platforms that
showcase the potentials of the students and there
are instances wherein our students have won the
most coveted awards like “the Best Management
student ward” in inter-collegiate events. We look
forward to have many such achievers who will
shine and bring laurels to themselves and to the
institution.
This is an opportunity to strengthen the abilities,
talent and competencies of our students. We wish
to go a long way in nurturing many such young
bright men and women for our country.
Wish you brighter prospects in all your endeavours.
 Keep on Learning . . .
A highly adaptable and confident person he simply loves to learn.
Honesty, commitment and a learn-at-work approach are hallmarks
that make Ishann stand apart

Ishann Dutta
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
A talk, dark gentleman middle class fellow from West Bengal
dreamt of being a sportsman. Every night he would dream of
wearing the Indian colours and marching up against the
world's best to reclaim and retain a title for his nation; to be
known and go down in history as one of the greats. This
precisely describes Ishann Dutta – the MBA student of the first
batch from ISBR, Bangalore.
Ishann comes from the outskirts of Kolkata from the family of 4
and is very attached to his family. A B.Sc. in Chemistry
(Honours), MBA was a choice he made inspite of his career
interest in sports. “My father asked me to think practical but
left the last choice to me” he says remembering the pre-MBA
turmoil. Banglaore was his chosen destination for one and only
reason – to improve self-presentability. Public speaking is one
of his other interests that was learnt and nurtured at ISBR.”The
change” he says, “shows itself in the times when I speak to
people here and back home.”
A highly adaptable and confident person that he is, he simply
loves to learn. “I was never much into studies or finance for that
matter. I would surely like to go back and redo my graduation
days… and give the time its due importance.” Currently, Ishaan
works with Thomson Reuters as a Market Analyst collaborating
with teams and brokers from North America and Canada. The
primary role of the team is to gather first hand research data
and analyse it to come up with investment information. The job
calls for all possible focus and hard work within tight time-
frames. And the Reuters environment takes the team through
the day perse. “The friendly team, adorable team leaders and
the approachable manager make it easier to do the work rather
than wait for hierarchy to take its route.”
One incident he remembers at workplace is when a dual listed
MNC submitted a query that dealt with discrepancies in cross-
listing and statistics related to it. The policy provided time-
frame for query resolution is 30 minutes. Ishaan promptly
volunteered for the same and applied a lifelong of learning into
those 30 short minutes. “The team leader, the manager and
others were quiet pleased and appreciative towards the results
but more so with me.”
The only area of improvement he suggested for his workplace
was to implement more professional training and profile
related training programs. “Hard work is not a problem and we
have more than enough examples to follow, but I would still
like to learn more and with first hand experience.”
Personally, he takes his father as his role model. A man of strict
principles with an uncanny ability to manage his finances.
Honesty, commitment and a learn-at-work approach are some
of the hereditary traits he believes have come from his father.
“Being distant from family and friends is something that makes
me homesick, but I have to plan and prepare for the
responsibilities that will come along now that my father is
retired.”
Ishaan has prepared a clear road map towards being a Fund
Manager through the mandatory Research Associate and
Research Analyst phases. He has deep interest in Financial
Research which sprouted only after MBA began and he
discovered his competency skills. He wants to learn CFA on the
way up and would love to take up research opportunity. He says
“its necessary to know your strengths and improve upon them
when it comes to self. ”He also believes in having a clarity of the
profile, excellent communication skills and an integrated
eagerness to learn as the required skill-set for an MBA. “Be
dedicated to work and focused (towards your goal). Be
updated, keep reading and exploring; you have a set of
resources in front of you. Exploit it to the fullest.” The
maximum learning will come by meeting people and majority
from those people who are focus-oriented and serious at
profession.

There’s only one way to the top – hard and committed work in
combination of learning. Learning has to be integrated and not
impulsive.

Gems of ISBR 11
 Nothing stays
the same forever
Sugandha is an unfazed, spontaneous and
upfront person. She is a personification of
positive attitude, cheerfulness and liveliness.

Sugandha
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Has not seen the positive attitude personified, had not come
across the cheerfulness & liveliness defined, had not met the
unfazed, spontaneous and upfront personality, until I met
Sugandha….
this positive spirit. Without batting an eye she seized this
opportunity, where she could make a mark of her own. It
provided her a platform where she could take the decisions and
own the responsibility for them.

A bubbly girl from an educated but a conservative family of
Royal Rajasthan, who was born with a silver spoon, and was fed
with it till she decided to walk on the untrodden paths and live
the life the way she wanted and not the way she was told.
Her journey from the courtyards of Gwalior to the lounges of
Bangalore was not an easy one. And that's what taught her not
to make easy choices. Her first job was at a typical corporate,
where she had a cubicle and a PC like many others, where she
was one of the employees like many other, where she walked in
at 9:00 am and walked out at 5:00 pm like many others. But
she was not happy being “like many others”. Her craving for an
individuality, a self identity made her switch her job in the very
first months of her career from an established corporate to a
start-up MNC Biometrics. When she joined , it had a staff of
five. And what should have scared many others did not deter
A girl who can be easily called a fashion freak is wedded to
simplicity when it comes to life and its' ways. She believes that
experience and learning, comes even when one does a simple
act of moving a book from one place to the other. For that one
should not wait till one has gray hair and tired brain. Problems
do not boggle her down because she believes that they never
come alone. They are invariably accompanied by their
solutions. But unfortunately majority of us have mastered the
art of concentrating only on the problem and turning a blind
eye to its' companion, solution!
This attitude of hers prompted me to ask, what according to
her would be the right attitude at a workplace…. was bit vary
of the answer-positive attitude. So was hoping and wishing for
something different and more. But she ignored the WHAT of
my question completely and rightly so. She said, “ Go to your
workplace as if you are the owner and spend company's money memories of her sessions with Prof. Amit Gupta, which always
as if it were your own, then any attitude would be a right helped her in right - assessment of her abilities and capabilities
attitude. No harm in being ambitious but never be desperate”. and renewed her faith in her beliefs.
For her the most thrilling part of working is that its' all practical.
Before we could savor the delicious looking toasts and hot
She at no point undermines the theories learnt during MBA but
coffee served by her, she with all simplicity spelled out a very
would like to see more of their practical implication even at
interesting and powerful thought to end this very engrossing
campus.
conversation,” If nothing stays for ever then why think the
Talking about her Alma mater, ISBR, a twinkle comes in her problems will”…..worth your thought ladies and gentlemen!!
eyes. It tells the tales of the joyous moments she spent with the
friends and faculty there, the little pranks she played with her
friends, the fun and learning she had as Entrepreneurial Cell
Co-cordinator, the arguments she have had with her team
mates , over the presentations in the class. She has fond

I am never bogged down by problems, because I believe that they

never come alone - they are invariably accompanied by their solutions

Gems of ISBR 13
 Everything is possible
Avisek is a go-getter who believes in pushing himself
to achieve new limits and horizons. In his own word
"there is nothing that cannot be achieved, however
impractical or difficult."

Avisek Ghosh Roy

PGPM 2007-09 Batch
“It's not every day that you get to sit across a person with a
decade of experience and interview him just 4 months into your
first job. I got this chance…” said Avisek Roy sipping on his
beverage.
Avisek came down for the talk after a full 12 hours at work but
nothing about him suggested the energy expense. He was as
cheerful at the end of the day and as communicative. “I would
have been a choreographer if not an MBA. Dancing gives me
the energy and passion to live every day to its fullest” he says.
Avisek believes in expression and intelligence. Be it at job or in
personal life. He comes from a nuclear family and his father
works as a government employee. Inspite of the perks and
stability, his father pursued and completed his Masters and
Avisek came down to Bangalore for the fulfilling his and his
father's expectation to be highly educated and self-reliant.
Avisek specialized in Human Resources at ISBR and currently
works with Pylon a growing management consultancy that
deals with recruitment and manpower outsourcing. Avisek's
profile includes recognizing and pooling candidates for various
analytical operations. “The company may be small but my
experiences speak for my choice. It's not often that you interact
with people who are much senior to you.” Though he has not
yet received a huge amount of responsibilities, he expects to
rise quickly once the probation period is completed.
A dancer, a table tennis enthusiast and an analytics and
research person, Avisek discloses one-to-one tips for cracking
job interviews. “Be yourself” he says. “Do not exaggerate or
show-off. Be up to the point when answering or speaking with
your interviewer.” The poise and attitude as always is an added
benefit. But honesty holds the supreme position. “Remember
that you cannot say 'no' once you join an organization. The
mindset, the outlook has to be formal. You cannot
procrastinate. These are some things that you simply cannot
afford.”
When he recruits a fresher, other than the domain knowledge,
he looks out for loyalty and updated knowledge. Being
proactive and taking up challenges is a common denominator
no matter where you go or what profile you look up to. There the mantra is to never say no. Everything can be done however
has to be a clear decision taking and prioritization structure impractical or difficult. It's all about finding a way and being
when it comes to work. DO and LEARN… good at what you do. Push yourself and you'll constantly arrive
upon new limits and horizons for yourself. Who knows you
The Sidney Sheldon fan says The Toyota Way is a book to follow
might even surprise your own self.
when it comes to application of the learnt theory. Respect for
People and Continuous Improvement are his personal punch- “Be a brand in yourself and keep smiling” he ends… of course
lines. With these principles he keeps short term goals but has with a smile.
his mind set upon being an entrepreneur at all times.”
Someday I'll have a restaurant and be a known name in Training
& Development at the same time.”

When you are work, you never know who might take offense
on what. You have to play safe when you are new and hence

The Toyota Way is a book to follow when it comes to application

of the learnt theory. I strongly believe in respect for People and
continuous improvement.

Gems of ISBR 15
 Experience matters . . .
His positive attitude and exposure to the business world during
various on-campus and off campus interactions with the industry
experts, has helped him in his transition from a student to a
corporate executive.

Ramanathan
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Ramanathan a commerce graduate and an MBA in Finance
specialization from ISBR, Chennai, got inspired into the
magical three letter word MBA, during his graduation days. He
could see that many successful people around him had done
MBA. So soon after his graduation he committed himself to be
a successful person. With a strong academic background
which includes, a course in SAP ( FICO module) and an
experience in auditing field ( in WAFI Group, Dubai), he didn't
have to wait for success for a long time.
Started his career at his hometown in a construction firm, he
soon moved out to Middle East for better opportunities. And
he for sure got them.
An ambitious football player and a dedicated and an active
participant of various religious and social activities, is also a
volunteer in world famous TRICHUR POORAM.
To him experience makes a man perfect and there is no limit to
learning so he has always used every opportunity that life gave
him to learn, unlearn or relearn. Whether it was a group
discussion in a classroom or a debate on stage or organizing for
the festivities at campus, he didn't let even a single chance go
by. Exploring the known and the unknown is one of his
hobbies.
What he misses the most from his campus life is the freedom to
learn and speak. He is also nostalgic about saying goodbye to
his childhood at the doorsteps of campus. But his exposure to
the business world has helped him metamorphose from a
tensed student to a confident professional, who knows how to
unwind the pressures and demands of the corporate. His
positive attitude and exposure to the business world during
various on campus and off campus interactions with the
industry experts, has helped him in his transition from a
campus to corporate and in his self- development. Like many than ever. He drives his motivation from the ever changing
others, he reiterates the fact that there is no substitute to good working environment in the post slowdown corporate.
communication skills, when talking about the skills required for
His future plans include working in the corporate for a few
a successful professional. No matter it is his interactions with
more years and learning the tricks of the trade and then turn
architects, laborers, government officials, bankers and clients,
into a job provider by starting a venture of his own. Thus serving
right communication helps him develop trust, build
the society, which undoubtedly is one of the loves of his life
relationship and get the work done.

The new skills that he adopts, new things that he learns, new
challenges that he faces makes his work life more enjoyable

Experience makes a man perfect and there is no limit to learning.

I have always used every opportunity that life has given to learn,
unlearn or relearn

Gems of ISBR 17
 TO RULE THE SUCCESSOMETER
DON'T TRY AND ACHIEVE ALL THE BEST
MENTIONED THERE. BUT TRY AND CREATE
AS MANY MORE BEST AS YOU CAN…..

Arunima presents a picture of content and confident human

being - a person who has found the road to her dreams.

Arunima S
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
A formidable sardarni from Ludhiana, Arunima S, does not volume about the character of this gritty lady. She thrives on
speak just with her tongue but with her eyes too, A daughter challenges and loves to throw them at others too. As per her
of an Army man, who has not taken things lying down, the world of business is not the world of meek but mighty
whether it is her personal or professional life. And she is individuals.
where she is due to her sheer hard work and tough character.
Recalling the memories of campus, she fondly remembers,
An ISBR alumni and presently an employee of Ernst & Young.
Prof. Pawan Soni's Innovation Workshops. They challenged her
Arunima presents a picture of content and confident human
to create something new, to think different.
being, who has found the road to her dreams. Now proverbial
sky is the limit for her. She is enjoying her stay at E&Y because of the unique
combo of cool atmosphere at the company and thorough
Twists in the life have been a habit rather than an exception to
professionalism practiced by each of its' employee. Her
her. From nurturing the dream of being a science graduate to
Punjabi genes gave her aggression as a free gift but how to
being a management student at ISBR, from being one of the
exercise it in a controlled manner and benefit out of is what she
few shortlisted candidates at Leela Palace campus interviews,
learnt here. Being very practical in her outlook and having
to being employee at Ozone media, Barkley and finally E&Y,
suffered the brunt of her bluntness, she does not undermine
every twist of her life left her richer in experience and wiser in
the importance of being soberly diplomatic. She advocates
head. Her philosophy in life is: don't waste time and energy in
communication, right and appropriate communication as a
beating the best, just be the best at what you do. Whether she
key determinant in the success rate of what one does.
is discussing her achievements or her failures, the smile on her
face and the firmness in her voice stay intact. And his speaks a
Her stay at ISBR gave her tremendous exposure and
opportunities to develop her personality and grow into mature
human being, who is capable of taking informed decisions not
only for herself but also for all others. She is highly appreciative
of all the curricular and co-curricular activities the ISBRians get
an opportunity to participate in. They help in developing and
polishing the skills required in the corporate . But she believes
that team building exercises should be more streamlined so
that each team member's contribution is accounted for.
Her dreams include managing her own company one day, but
much before that managing a family with her partner in life.
And we know she is going to achieve this and much more, no
matter what the hurdles….b'coz…. TOUGH TIMES NEVER
LAST BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO………Robert H Schullers said
these words only for individuals like ARUNIMA

Don’t waste time and energy in beating the best,

just be the best at what you do.

Gems of ISBR 19
 You cannot make
(business) plan for life
An impulsive person, Maria is a charming combination of
beauty and brains. This vivacious girl takes life as it comes,
with a firm belief that everything happens for a reason

Maria Rizvi
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Meet most vivacious & cute girl “Maria”. She loves to start off Working at 24x7 was a great learning experience, she firmly
her conversation by introducing the people who cast a spell on believes that working in smaller organizations one gets to do
her life…In her own words… and learn a lot. She says with a smile on her lovely face “your
opinion is acknowledged and higher responsibilities are given, I
Amit sir… "He won't take anything silly from you, if you can
always wanted to join a start-up company.”She chuckles as she
reason out logically your point, then he would listen to
says “Had not been submissive ever, and had never hesitated to
whatever you have to say and guide you well."
put across my point, whether it is to a boss or colleague.”
Sarit sir…"always criticizes you for your better"
To begin with, she had worked as an event manager for
Preeja ma'am - "very supportive." Manthan awards at Delhi before joining MBA at ISBR. That's
where she tasted the success of a professional life and thought
Maria thinks of herself as a very impulsive person. She believes
of doing MBA and to manage bigger and better things.
that some of the qualities that keep you in good stead are; one
should have the art of multitasking, should be dedicated to
one's work, should know how to handle pressure, and should
be up to date with the facts. She takes life as it comes!
Right attitude for her means taking the things positively, not
having rules about work, should be ready to do everything and
anything. One should stay positive even when things are really
bad, that is her principle.
She does not believe in planning too much and just takes the
things as they come. She believes that “one does not make
business plan for one's own life. Everything that happens
certainly has a reason, but things do fall in place in the
end.Beauty with brains…that is what she is.

Right attitude means taking the things positively, not having rules
about work - one should be ready to do everything and anything.

Gems of ISBR 21
 A warm hearted and radiant personality, Nuthan has made a
mark for herself in a male dominated sales environment. This
always smiling yet gritty go-getter has everything that is needed
to achieve success.

Nuthan Pathak
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
A pretty girl from Chattishgarh with a radiant smile and a She loves Bangalore and believes that it is full of opportunities;
beautiful heart…. you just need to grab the right one.

Throughout her student life, she has been an apple of her
teachers' eye, good student always
Had never thought that she would go for a job which would
involve hard core sales and had not even in her wildest dreams
thougts that she would be successful too. She feels proud that
she is the only girl in the sales team at her office and the most
successful of them all….She has broken the myth that sales is a
monopoly of males and only they can do a good there. Now
she is so much in love with her job & would do it forever.
If she has to improve anything at ISBR, she would ask for more
practical learning through more projects, market research,
presentations, surveys, industrial visits etc; She says with a
twinkle in her eye that students should take internship period
with all seriousness because that will help them avoid all the
mistakes which a fresher can make otherwise in the beginning
of his/her career.
From Campus she misses the interactions with her favourite
teachers, which include Amit Sir, Ramaswamy Sir, Preeja
ma'am, Madan Sir, and also her friends. She enjoyed the Sports
week celebration and Marketing event at ISBR where she
participated with all zest, won prizes and had fun with her
peers.
She felt that Sarit Sir's lectures helped her in her self
development. She was never very confident of speaking from a
stage but Sarit sir's presentations which came every week
helped her fight nervousness and build confidence to face the
audience. And today that experience only helps her give her
weekly reports in the Board room, before her seniors and
colleagues, without fumbling even once.
One should never stop learning. For a healthy professional life/
career, one should be a constant learner. She insists that know
your strength and give hundred percent therein. No weakness
will dare to discourage you then.
After taking up a professional role, she has become more She feels that fresher should not put a price tag on themselves.
humble and more positive in her outlook. She has become more They should enter the industry and choose a profile of their
mature in her judgments and is less prejudiced in her thoughts interest. Prove their mettle there and then talk of the salary they
about people around her. deserve.

She is working as a Project Management Consultant. The A go getter in life, preaches the same to others, never letting the
experience of networking to big honchos of industry and crack sweet smile leave her face.
a deal with them, gives her a real thrill.

She believes that those who throw unnecessary attitude at

work do not succeed in the long run. The chip on their
shoulders weighs them down one day.

One should never stop learning. For a healthy professional / career,

one should be a constant learner. Know your strength and give your
hundred percent. No weakness will dare to discourage you then.

Gems of ISBR 23
 Don't judge yourself for what you
don't have, judge for what you have

A self- motivated girl who loves to challenge herself.

Her positive attitude has earned her a lot of appreciation
from her seniors and peers

Bhavika
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
She had done 7 to 8 projects during her MBA….Felt lot of
pressure in the beginning but had the keen desire to complete
all of them successfully. She says, “If one struggle in the
beginning, at the learning stage then one can lead an easy life
later on.”
She has a point to make "students should not shy away from
presentations. This is one thing, that if done with sincerity can
be a good value adds to one's learning experience at campus."
Success always follows those who are innovative and take
initiative. She is fond of working in a small company which
brings more and early recognition & opportunities.
Bhavika also has lot of tips on attending the interviews. She
says that being nervous is natural don't curb your nervousness
however, you should know how to hide it from others. She
opines
She is a self- motivated girl who loves to challenge herself and
this attitude of her has earned her a lot of appreciation from her
seniors and peers at work. In spite of being the junior most
among her colleagues, she gave the best performance and
earned the highest incentives of all, within a few months of her
joining at India Info line. But life was not a bed of roses for her.
She had struggled a lot in the initial days, with targets to meet
and no leads from colleagues. But her experience and contacts
made during her Campus stay (ISBR), as the Corporate
Networking Cell member came to her rescue and, there was
no turning back from thereon.
She is a highly conscientious lady from U.P. She believes that
children have no right to waste the hard earned money of their
parents. They should see that as an investment on them, which
they need to repay by doing well in their life.
She admires Prof. Amit as the most knowledgeable scholar
and terribly misses the , guidance and constructive feedback
from him. Appreciates Preeja ma'am for inspiring them as a
batch from time to time. She has also drawn her inspiration
from the hard working attitude and determination of Prof.
Pawan Soni
Her father has always been appreciative of everything she has Recalling days at campus she repents not being part of the
done in her life and has always encouraged to follow her heart. cultural activities

Her advice for her friends and juniors at ISBR is that never de- Her dreams include handling a team on her own and being a
motivate yourself. Says with a chuckle,” leave that job to others big shot of the industry one day.
and of course ignore others when they do so to you” Don't
judge yourself for what you don't have, judge for what you have
and never compare yourself with others. You might be worth
more than what others around you are.

Never de- motivate yourself by judging yourself for what

you don’t have. Always judge yourself for what you have
and never compare yourself with others.

Gems of ISBR 25
 Do the job you love . . .
not just the job that pays!!
Prateek is an ardent learner who does not hesitate to learn - no
matter from a friend or a competitor. Modesty is one of the
most striking virtues of this hardworking finance professional.

Prateek Mittal
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
A bashful boy from Agra, overcame his habit of staying away simplicity and accepting his own mistakes as his strengths but
from the glares of public, the moment he met DJ (Deepak while conversing with him one can easily identify modesty as
Justin) at ISBR-One person whom he considers to be THE his strongest virtues. He does not think twice before giving a
PERSON responsible for the big leap in his self- development. credit due to someone.
For someone like him who would become invisible even at a
Prateek comes from a business family which sees education
hint of an outsider at his home, compeering the function at
as the only tool for progress in life. And this is the reason, that
college within the very first week at the campus and in front of
after completing his graduation, rather than joining the well -
an audience, which had nobody but strangers, was a no
established and flourishing family business ,which would have
meager achievement. He still holds that day and DJ very
been an obvious choice for the only son of any other middle
dear to his heart.
class family , he came to Bangalore to pursue his Masters in
Dwelling more on his memories from campus he recalls Prof. Business Application. But his education and learning has still
Sarit's business plan classes, Prof. Amit's Strategy management not stopped even as a Finance professional at Ernest & Young.
and Prof. Pawan Soni's innovation classes. The excitement on
While talking about his training period at E&Y, he comments
his face mirrors the fun and learning he had while attending all
in a lighter vein, “ I can write a book on the errors I committed
the above.” During Pawan Soni's classes we had our on button
as a trainee”. But his ability to accept those errors and learn
always on” says he putting himself on an on mode for the
from the same are keeping him in the good stead as their
interview to follow.
employee. The hard core finance guy loves the number
An ardent learner, does not hesitate to take his lessons, crunching but doesn't really bother about the numbers on his
no matter they come from a friend or a competitor. Counts pay cheque. He says,” no doubt I also want to make a big
money like many others but I want money to follow me and
that will happen in the job, I love and I believe in. People who do
the job because that pays them big, always run after money,
therein losing their race with it”.
A very good mimic and a winner of many quizzes at the school
and college level, never had any alternative career in mind. A
few years down the lane he intends to go back to his family
business and make it bigger and better but not before he has
made a name and a place for himself in the corporate world.
And when he says , “never let the quality of your work fall down
and always be ready to take the ownership of your work, no
matter what the circumstances”, no one can doubts his
intentions and dreams.
As this interview draws towards the end, and we move
towards the counter to pay for our coffee, he tells me to say his
hello to all his batch mates, I'll be meeting for the interviews
and also to the juniors with whom he shared not only the
laughter but tears too……..so girls their secret is out-boys
do cry!!!
P.S. I would like to mention that our coffee bill was paid by
Mr. Prateek , because a girl paying or even sharing it would not
go down well with his ethics…..Mr DJ I think we need you
again ;)

I do want to make a big money like many others but I want

money to follow me, not the other way round. I know that
will happen when I am in a job, which I love and believe in

Gems of ISBR 27
 You are not going to
be a leader everyday!
His proactive approach to all curricular and extra-curricular
activities-both on and off campus, contributed a lot
towards the self development of this “unofficial best
student of ISBR”

Vinu Chakroborty
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
§ Worldwide first rank holder of capstone, a business
simulation game
§ Represented ISBR at Mumbai for best management
student competition
§ Initiator of the first ever ,management festival at ISBR
§ Winner of most of the competitions at NEN
E-WEEK at ISBR
§ One of the Co-ordinators of LOCK, STOCK & TRADE(08),
a mock IPO at ISBR
And an unofficial best student of ISBR, is none other than Vinu
Chakroborty, a south Indian with a Bengali surname. When
quizzed over it, he passes the question to his parents. But he
sees it as a strategic advantage because he goes with
something unexpected by the interviewers.
A tall, dark and smart man with a husky voice, who was a
natural leader at campus spells out his mantra of survival in cut-
throat competitive world of corporate “ Be prepared to be a
follower, you are not going to be a leader everyday. We should
be smart enough to learn from others mistakes , that saves us
of wasting time and energy in making our own”.
That's where he scores a point over his colleagues from tier 1 B-
schools of the world. They are trained to be leaders always,
wherein they miss their opportunities to learn from others.
For someone who was infamous among his peer group, at
campus, for his impatient behavior and bossy ways, he has
learnt very early on in the corporate , that one has to be flexible
as a birch tree which can withstand any pressure without
breaking its' back.
His seven months stint with his first company, 24x7 learnings,
showed him the good and the aspects of the corporate world.
He tells, “ Be patient for the opportunities to knock at your door
but be equally prepared to receive them at any time,
otherwise, they would vanish before you can wink your eyes.
A microbiology Post Graduate, who always wanted to be a
scientist, till he actually became one and realized that he is
meant to do something beyond juggling with the microscope,
slides, cultures and china dishes. But he doesn't regret the
learning and the experience there. That's where he learnt to be
diligent and industrious, that's where he learnt being
meticulous and putting efforts in the minutest of the details.
All that's helping him make an impression and progression at
his present job in Channel Management at Manipal group.
His two years stay at ISBR, helped him build the confidence of
pulling out something out of nothing, especially the whole
experience of organizing and co-ordinating LOCK, STOCK
&TRADE, 08, which ended up as one of the bench marking
events at ISBR.
His proactive approach to all the curricular and the extra-
curricular activities on and off the campus , contributed a lot
towards his self development. He expresses his gratitude
towards the college for supporting him in whatever initiative he
took. Here he makes a special mention of Mr. Soumya (ex-
placement officer), and his batchmates, Maria, Yashpal,
Karthik, Sugandha and Shweta, who all were his biggest
support and critics. He believes that one should always be
prepared to learn from whatever chances one get, “your
learning should be like that of a sponge that absorbs whatever
is under it and not that of a bucket that spills once it is filled”.
He being the perfectionist that he is , he was once explaining his
female colleague, how she should be handling her
responsibilities of a hostess of an event. Her was so particular
about each and every details of her job that she retorted, “ if you
want me to do like you, better you do it yourself”. That
statement of hers' stays as a learning for his life. That day he
understood that everybody has his/ her unique way of doing the
same thing, so one may guide others but should not instruct
others.
When asked about his future plans, he says, “I don't plan ahead
of the time, but I will find the wave and the tide I want to move
with, once I am there.
Deepak Justin or DJ as he is popularly called by all ISBRians once
told him, “Veenu You Rock” and I don't have better words to
end my conversation with him, VEENU YOU ROCK !!

I believe that one should always be prepared to learn from whatever

chances one get, Learning should be like that of a sponge that absorbs
whatever is under it and not that of a bucket that spills once it is filled.

Gems of ISBR 29
 Timely and timeless
Suave, calm, composed and cerebral, and blessed with the
gift of the gab - that paints the picture of this big surprise
in a small packet

Vishal Shrivastava
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Do you go to the college? Do you go to the college regularly??
Are your batch mates attending the college???
If I would not have taken the reins in my hand in time, the
typical HR in Vishal would have gone on and on with his
queries, and we would have ended up interviewing me and
not him!!
Vishal Shrivastava, a very suave, calm and composed
personality , who speaks a lot of intellectual stuff and explains it
too, when he feels that it's bit too heavy for his listener. He who
brings career choices for people, as Senior Executive Business
development at Career Net feels ,“One needs to take a call
when it comes to one's career, nobody can take it for you”. And
of course his father, Mr. Shrivastava, himself a qualified doctor
would second this thought of his son. Because when his young
son would come to him every second day with a different
career choice for himself, which would be anything from an
astronaut to a gardener to an engineer to a CA, his father had
just one advice for him. He would say, 'no matter what career
you choose for yourself, always achieve the Timely and Timeless
in that particular field .Timely is whatever has been done in that
particular field till now and timeless is the addition that you can
do which will stay timeless.
Though MBA was always at the back of his head but he worked
for some time after his graduation because he believes,
“Everyone who struggles at the entry level would make it to
the certain distance and only he would be able to measure
others who are behind him.” He always wanted to have a
hands on experience and then get into MBA and do make a
career again.
As a part of the talent acquisition team, he realizes there is
huge talent in India and not everybody gets the chance to show
that talent, so if you are lucky enough to get that one chance,
you should be doing justice to it. There is always a fun part
associated with college life and one should not miss it, as it
won't come again, similarly one should be equally serious
about one's academics because the chance to learn with that
particular set of people and from those faculty members will
also not come again. Very candidly he says.“ Even if I was
sometimes dreaming during some lecture, at least I was
making myself available for that lecture and even if I was
running late for the college, at least I was running…” Every
small effort we make, makes some sense in the larger picture of
our life. So don't let the things just pass by, if you want to see the
complete picture. Table tennis matches , visits to the library,
fresher's party and his friends at campus are the most beautiful
colours on his life's picture so far.
Basking in the glory of his previous achievement is a big no for
him because anyone who does so will never look ahead. A
person of integrity and honesty, does not mind an honest
criticism whether from a superior, peer or a subordinate. “It is
just an opinion and helps me in knowing what I'm not so good
at”. He gives his critics the credit of his self development. He is
blessed with a gift of the gab and knows how to use his
aggression in a controlled way.
Every small effort we make, makes some sense in the larger picture
of our life. So don’t let the things just pass by, if you want to see
the complete picture.
Sharing his experience at the corporate, he discloses some very
valuable facts, “ Every theory and every rule in the book takes a
back seat, if as a professional we are not able to deliver. What
matters in the corporate is your performance, your deliverables.
And performance will come only when you love what you do.
One's priority should be to learn and never to reach a point
where one can say that he has learnt enough. Learning never
ends.
A thorough professional requests the interview to be wrapped
up, the moment he sees the time he promised from his work
schedule is up. He leaves, to look after his work after my final
query, and I stay back just to assimilate and wonder over the
nuggets of knowledge this short but strong man shared with
me…….. hmmmm….big surprises do come in small packets!!
Gems of ISBR 31
 Stretch yourself . . .
to know your actual reach.
Innovation, inspiration, Integrity and industry are the four indices
of his life, and Yashpal want to weave the success story of his life
around these.

Yashpal Doshi
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Watching Tara Zameen pe, Yashpal Doshi, has a déjà vu.
He sees himself the protagonist as a child stuttering was
his villain and most of the people around jeered at him. He shed
many a silent tear and many times felt hurt. But, in the
hindsight, he views all that as a preparation for the bigger
challenges of life . He holds no grudge today because that
phase of his life, helped him shape into empathetic but tough
man that he is today. As a marketing guy at Vasan eye care
hospital he talks to many people during the day and gets a
business for his hospital. He does all this with the same voice
which was seen as his weakness. Pride reflects in his eyes and
voice while sharing this.
Innovation, inspiration, Integrity and industry are four indices
of his life. He wants to weave the success story of his life
around them and is happy with what he has achieved so far.
And what he has got is heaven! Yes he experiences heaven
every time he lies down on his bed after working for eleven to
twelve hours a day.
Known for his entrepreneurial aptitude and passion for food ,
Yashpal, wants to open his first multi-cusine restaurant in
another five years time. This aligns with his lifelong dream of
being a chef and with what once his placement officer at
campus told, “You are not the guy who would work in a set
process, you will create a process”.
He has lived by the motto of ISBR, 'Real World, Real Learning'.
As the founding coordinator of the Entrepreneurial Cell at the
campus, he got the chance to interact with the stalwarts of the
business and spent much of his campus life working in
proximity with both the established and budding
entrepreneurs. From this exposure, he learnt how to treat
challenges as opportunities. Talking about the challenges of
life, he makes a special mention of the challenge of driving
in the Bangalore traffic, which he has to still win!!
Three people who have been pivotal in shaping his
personality are- his father , who has been the source of his
inspiration always, his cousin Kapil, whose opinion helps him
come out of any dilemma of his life, and his prof; Pawan Soni,
whose lectures gave him a roadmap for his life. Just recalling
his words, “ stretch yourself as much as you can, that's when
you would know what your reach is” are enough to soothe his
tight nerves and sore muscles.
Life in the corporate is tough and always not so gratifying
as he would like it to be. But the self- driven person that he is, he
never loses his motivation. In his childhood he had this peculiar
habit of sitting on the platform, next to his home, and
watching the trains arriving and departing. This
scene is so well-embedded in his conscience that he has started
visualizing his life as a platform. So anything or any person
who arrives in his life will have its' departure at the scheduled
time. This philosophy of his life does not over excite or depress
him on some arrivals and does not leave him heart broken or
carefree at some departures.
I hold no grudge today because of the tough phase of my early life.
It is that phase which has shaped into the tough man that I am today.
But that does not mean that he never miss the good people
who had touched his heart with their words or acts at some
point of his life. Soumaya sir, Preethi, Vinu, Karthik, Amit,
Mahaveer, Sugandha and all his friends from Kolkatta are a few
of the many who created a permanent space in his heart,
before departing.
And as me and my colleague(Sharada) depart, we feel that it is
not so tough to find a place in his heart….don't trust us, try
yourself, you only need a genuine smile on your face.
Gems of ISBR 33
 Energetic, enthusiastic and chirpy is Swetha - a
no-nonsense girl with her heart in the right place

Swetha
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Swetha is synonymous with energy and enthusiasm, she She is a no-nonsense girl with her heart in the right place. She
is one among the five siblings from a family which believed calls a spade a spade. Her networking skills have been
in getting her married at an young age. However, the chirpy extraordinary and she has won many accolades from her
swetha ended up taking an MBA from ISBR and became “BOSS” for her qualities. She will certainly create a platform for
a thorough professional. She is the one who can be spotted herself in this fiery competitive world.
on any event be it a cultural or academic one. With a cheerful
disposition she moves like a “terrific tornado”…
Her confidence is amazing and her gift of the gab can arrest the
attention of any body for that matter. She is currently working
as a marketing executive churning out various strategies for
training assignments.

Creating a platform for herself in this fiery competitive world.

 With ambitions - tall like himself,
Prachir is a sober unassuming,
quiet worker - whose actions speak
louder than his words

Meet Prachir Gangwar

PGPM 2007-09 Batch
The tall man with air of optimism and never-say-die attitude
walks around with the laptop as an arm-candy. He is the typical
technocrat busy surfing, has an ambition to rise to the position
of CEO. Meet Prachir Gangwar………..basically an engineer
who was fond of knowing the nitty-gritty aspects of business
administration & ended taking up MBA from ISBR.
His only sister is pursuing PH.D and his father is an engineer,
proud to be from the family of intellectuals. Prachir is a sober,
unassuming character who works quietly. He has fond
memories of his teachers & peer group who were a package
deal with him. He always builds up castle in air and he knows
that he is a dreamer.
Currently in his corporate life, he feels the thrill of taking the
challenges of meeting clients and has a lot of learning from
them. However, there is a stark reality which he wants to reveal.
He blatantly says that some of the corporate manipulate
people, be it the employees or fresh MBA.
However, with his self introspective nature he wishes to look
into the shortcomings that had faltered the process and hence
be cautious in the future.
“Once bitten, twice shy” would be the befitting reply for this
gentleman……………

Self-introspective, he loves to look into his own shortcomings to set

things right.

Gems of ISBR 35
 An HR professional, with a sense of humor Nihar's
excellent people handling skills have given him the
sweet taste of success in a short time span.

Nihar Ranjan Satpathy

PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Nihar Ranjan Satpathy adores his family; he is a commerce
graduate from Orissa who had initially tasted the corporate
culture before venturing to take up MBA from ISBR. His
transition from the campus to corporate was a tremendous
change on his personality. From a nonchalant individual to a
committed professional at Videocon is certainly not
everybody's good fortune.
His maiden venture as an HR trainee was something
interesting. The moment he was given the responsibility of
welfare-activity and creating JD and KPI for 1200 employees,
he was almost at the end of the tether, lost and out of control.
However, with his sense of humor and good people skills he
managed to get the support of his newly found friends and
changed the story into a happy ending.
He has learnt many things within the short span of time and is
certainly knows that the corporate culture is no child's play. At
this point of time, he emphasizes on the tricks of the trade,
which is crucial for one's survival. He is constantly working on
moving ahead the career ladder. So that his family would feel
proud of him
No wonder, with his motto in life “not to believe in the past but
to live in the future” he will fulfill his dreams and desires of
making a perfect wholesome life.

My mantra for a perfect life is simple - Live in the

future, not in the past
 Anrunees is a a fine student with amazing musical talent which
adds even more charm to his personality. Three cheers to the
"Pied Piper of ISBR".

Arunees
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
Meet Arunees, the Beethoven of ISBR, a gifted singer, a
composer and a talented young man from the city of Nawabs
-Lucknow. He breathes music, music and music alone. He
started his career as a marketing professional to promote his
band and thus realized the importance of a Management
Degree, thus he landed at ISBR for an MBA.
He candidly admits he is a lazy boy with no big stars in the
eyes and has regret of not polishing his communication skills.
He is proud to be one among the pioneers of ISBR and
cherishes every moment at the campus. He feels that working
in teams helped to know the importance of learning.
His best moments were when he had solely composed the
E - anthem as well as song for ISBR. In his own words the
memorable days were when he was the only student selected
for stallion garments, for the post of advertisement designer.
In this context, he had personally designed twelve
advertisements for them.
He is humbled by the fact that the institute had reposed so
much faith in him. He fondly remembers his passion for the
theatre and his own group called “insomniacs” at the
campus. The favorite sessions which he misses the most is
Prof. Preeja's & Prof. Sarit's.
Arunees considers his strength as his confidence and does
not believe in accepting things for the heck of it. He had the
fortune of working in many companies but decided not to
involve in those monotonous tasks.
He wants to build an empire of music and perhaps become
the Badshah for it. With such a melodious voice we are damn
sure, he has miles & miles to go . . .
The voice that captured the rhythm and pulse of people
around ARUNEES!!!!!!

Working in teams helped to know the

importance of learning

Gems of ISBR 37
 Optimism, ambition and attitude sum up Amit. His
policy of "First impression is the best impression" leaves
a good impression on everybody whom he meets. ISBR
will always remember this cheerful personality.

Amit Jain
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
“There is no hard work it is only smart work” believes, Amit
Jain- who is currently employed with RELIANCE, no wonder
his role-model was Mr.Dhirubhai Ambani. His convincing
abilities and a cheerful attitude has immensely helped him in
his career.
He was the cynosure of cultural events, NEN and fashion
shows, he was also a book worm and one could easily spot
him hiding his face amidst the pages of books and
newspapers in the library. He immensely loved all the sessions
of Prof.Pawan soni.

He firmly believes that optimism is needed to survive in this
unpredictable world. There were times when life was roller -
coaster ride however, Amit was victorious eventually and
managed things. This depicts his saga of success!!!!
Give respect and take respect seems to be his dictum, he is
very keen on maintaining good relationship with peers or
colleagues. He has always had the good fortune of support, a
shoulder to cry on-his paternal uncle who had helped him in
his ups and downs.
He is also a budding entrepreneur who wanted to try his
hands on a new venture. His policy of leaving an indelible
impression in the minds of the customer seems to be
interesting. He emphasizes that “the first impression is the
best impression and the last impression.”
No doubt, you have etched memories and have left footprint
in the sand of time at ISBR as a reminiscence . . .

There is no hard work it is only smart work

 A simply lovable person, Jijin impresses everybody not only with
his honest approach but also comes across as a strong mind with
path breaking thinking.

Jijin Das
PGPM 2007-09 Batch
The first student to be selected for MBA at ISBR-Jijin Das from The best moments in jijin's life was when he was in the core
kerala comes from an army back ground, has widely travelled group of three students to deliver the welcome address for
across India and loves the different cultures and traditions. our own ex-President Abdul Kalam, he feels it was a honor
Currently, working as a Marketing executive for a for him to be there at that point of time.
construction company believes that his grandmother is
Jijin does not believe in blaming others for his
instrumental in making him what he is today.
disappointments in life and says “never bring the past or look
Hs role - model is Narayan Murthy and is a staunch believer backwards but move ahead”
that everyone struggles in the initial phase of their career, no
Certainly, with the focused approach he is bound to reach the
matter where they come from. He aims to be the top-notch
zenith. However, at ISBR we nurture the thought of having
key person some day and loves to expedite orders in an
the path-breakers who were the cut above the rest.
organization. His strength is his sincerity and commitment
towards the assigned task.

Never bring the past or look backwards

but move ahead

Gems of ISBR 39
 ishann dutta nuthan pathak swetha

sugandha bhavika meet prachir gangwar

avisek ghosh roy prateek mittal nihar ranjan satpathy

ramanathan vinu chakroborty arunees

arunima s vishal shrivastava amit jain

maria rizvi yashpal doshi jijin das

Memories to cherish
class of 2007-09
Memories to
cherish
class of 2007-09
Gems of ISBR 43
Memories to cherish class of 2007-09 (Continued)
Gems of ISBR 45
Names Specialization 1 Specialization 2
Names Specialization 1 Specialization 2

Gems of ISBR 49
Names Specialization 1 Specialization 2
Names Specialization 1 Specialization 2

Gems of ISBR 51
Names Specialization 1 Specialization 2
Gems of ISBR 53
International School of
Business & Research

w w w . i s b r. i n