Some aspects of the ISB that you think are unique/ exceptional
The most distinctive aspect of the ISB is the exceptional quality of students and faculty which provide a truly stimulating learning environment. The ISB students bring together a very high intellectual coefficient and diverse experiences, thus offering unmatchable peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The world class faculty enables the students to appreciate all dimensions of a subject and to apply the learning in a manner which benefits both business and society.

Your comments on the learning model at the ISB
The best thing about the ISB learning model is the emphasis on self-learning. The world class students and faculty set the stage for academic rigour but the School provides ample time off classroom so that students could more intensively study the subjects of their choice and also pursue other interests, both extra-curricular and co-curricular. Programmes like PaEV (Planning an Entrepreneurial Venture), ELP (Experiential Learning Programme) and independent study provide the flexibility to budding entrepreneurs, career switchers and all else to work on their goals and aspirations within a one-year programme. One is therefore able to accomplish a lot in one year.

What made you opt for a management degree after being in the IFS and serving in the High Commission of India?
Economic diplomacy has become one of the main functions of a diplomat in the globalized world. The business environment today is extremely dynamic and after nine years in service I felt the need to further enhance my knowledge of current trends in Indian and global business and economy. The ISB’s one year programme provides me the opportunity to do so in one year from a world class business school.  In the last four months of the programme, the exposure to business perspective on various issues has enabled me to understand the needs of business and also how business and government should work together for the community. Another benefit of the ISB is the networks that one develops here with future business leaders of the country. I would look forward to these networks in future for advice and understanding.

As a member of the Net Impact Club, what are some of the opportunities you are looking forward to?
With my interest in the development sector I am looking forward to working with the Net Impact Club for helping NGOs with the skills and knowledge gained at the ISB and the prior experience that I have. The Club has a unit for pro-bono consulting and has identified some NGOs who could benefit with our assistance. Besides, lectures and discussions organised by other clubs such as consulting and finance help me in widening my understanding of various topics and issues.

One of the faculty/ guests speakers at the ISB who really inspired you
The ISB has some of the best visiting faculty from across the world and it would be difficult to point out “one” best among them. Professor Mark Finn (Financial Accounting), Professor Bruce Allen (Economics), Professor Jagmohan Raju (Marketing) and Professor Harbir Singh (Competitive Strategy) were all exceptional for their depth of knowledge and unique teaching styles.

The most impressive guest speaker for me was Jeffrey Sachs. His lecture put into context the need of public-private partnership for sustainable development. His thoughts struck a chord with many students who feel that open markets are not the only answer to all development issues. The public, private and non-government sectors have to work together, in particular for the betterment of developing societies. The development issues sometimes do not get the requisite attention at business schools and the lecture of Jeffrey Sachs points to the ISB’s wisdom of providing a holistic perspective to its students.