ISB Sports League

The ISL games took off with a bang, with some exhilarating performances by all the three teams: The Mohali Mavericks, The Sultans and The Punjab Hukums.

Marking their territory

The week started with some racquet wielding heroics from the Sultans and the Hukums on the Tennis court, followed by a thriller of a basketball match which went down to the wire between the Mavericks and the Sultans.

Ping Pong Action

But that was not the end, the week ended with a highly charged water polo encounter between the Sultans and the Hukums , for which even a swimming pool full of water wasn't enough to cool off tempers. But at the end, sportsmanship triumphed with both students and alums across teams sharing a few laughs (albeit at each other’s cost!)

'Ace'-ing it!

The best part is that the season has just started... Stay tuned for more action!

Gautam Malhotra, Lead Coordinator, ISL, Class of 2015

A Foodie's Guide to Mohali - II

Sector 28 – Here be Dhabas amongst Chandigarh’s auto market

Pal Dhaba: A real favorite that elicits at least a fortnightly pilgrimage. The Mutton is tender and possibly amongst the best in the country. The Baingan ka Bharta and Panner Tikka stand out amongst the vegetarian fare. The lassis are proper Punjab style with the spoon standing on its end thanks to the thickness. If you are ever in Chandigarh do not miss out on Pal. Exceptionally prompt service but do not expect the best of ambiance.

Deluxe Dhaba: A decent attempt at an upscale dhaba. The high spice levels are a welcome relief but the low service levels especially in the vicinity of Pal are a complete let down. No intention of revisiting.

Sector 35 – Foodie Central (kinda)

Burger Girl: What looks like a me too corny Americana outlet turns out be an interesting Indian twist on some classics. The Hangover Burger and the Shahi Patiala Pac are real crowd pleasers.

Nik's Bakers: The pastry and café specialist in Chandigarh. A must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Pashtun: Afghan Heaven, the Biryani, Raan and Pathar Kebabs are the standouts at this serene and green establishment. A wild west bar exists downstairs but this author has not been in a state to roll down to the basement after the food induced coma that Pashtun inevitably delivers.

Giani’s: A scoop of Delhi in Chandigarh. Quality ice-that runs the range from Cookies and Cream (with Oreos) to Belgian Chocolate. The sundaes especially the signature Kuch Nahi are a real treat for this sweet toothed foodie.

Before I sign off, here's some food...for thought:

Abhishek Das, Class of 2015

A Foodie's guide to Mohali

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food”, so goes the quote from George Bernard Shaw. The tricity area, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula is truly a foodie haven. So while most of us are battling the curve-balls from the lectures and the LRC, others are busy thinking with their stomach.

The following is a part one of a short, 'byte-sized' guide to what tickles the stomach in and around the tri-city area.

Elante Mall

After the obligatory shopping trip there are some real culinary gems hidden away around 

the mall.

Backpackers Café 

The original is at sector 9 but malls are easier to visit. The exceptional milkshakes and plethora of café style options (Raclette, Butter Chicken Burger, Pot Pies, Thin Crust Pizza) keep bringing us back.

Brooklyn Central 

Classy Americana, wood fired thin crust pizza, exciting milkshakes and a generally stunning drinks menu. Portion sizes are large and meals can be customized with ease and specials have included everything from Red Snapper to Pork Belly. Don’t miss out on the ahhhh inducing cheesecake.

Chilis

Standard Americana sportsbar with the usual drinks, burgers and me too fare. This foodie does not think much of it. Overpriced for what it delivers. The burgers are supposedly good if you are into that sort of thing.

Kylin

Pan-asian chain transplanted from Delhi. Exceptional blue fin tuna based sushi. The Teppanyaki is a highly economical option at what is truly a fine-dining experience. Our resident Japan expert vouches for umami enhanced miso soup that accompanies the teppanyaki. Highly attentive service and everything we tried hit the asian spot.

Nandos

A piece of South Africa in Chandigarh. The Peri Peri Chicken whether in standard for or as Espatada, Burger, Pita etcetera is exceptional. Highly recommended if you need a hot fast food fix. Vegetarians may avoid as its mostly about the chicken.

Pirates Grill

Usual all you can eat buffet. The grilled Pineapple and kheer are the only real 

remembrances from previous hogathons.

Underdogs

If you are too sloshed to taste cheese laden platters this is the place to go. This is where 

foodies go when they are outnumbered by drinkers.

Sector 26 – Foodie HQ

Barbeque Nation

Standard all you can eat fare with the now obligatory high service standards.

Bansal Sweets

Pure Desi ghee laden sweet goodness.

Mainland China 

Brings back memories of the original in Bombay. A real delight and the Chef’s 

attention to detail makes it stand out amongst its peers. There is an ICICI bank offer for buffet that is 

served on the table do make use of it.

Sundarams

Standard South Indian mess at North Indian Prices. Don’t miss the mini idli platter. The 

gunpowder coated idlis left quite the impression for ample re-visits.

Whistling Duck

A multi-cuisine fine-dine establishment that rekindles memories of forays to foreign shores. The eclectic menu has been tried and tested and they somehow manage to hit the bull-eye across the spectrum of cuisines on offer. From Kerela to Austria via Vietnam everything is exceptional. Vivid memories of Karela Salad, Nihari, Mutton Curry with an exceptional wine list.

Before I sign off, here's a little reminder for you all: 

                                           

Abhishek Das, Class of 2015

Sangria + Beer Night

Not one to miss a chance for debauchery, the Wine and Brew Club decided to give the SLC a break with the party planning and throw the post-academic awards-party.

The pre-party planning started almost a week earlier with the preparation of lists for cocktails. With apples being soaked, pineapples being cut, and beers being chilled an evening before the party, the adrenaline levels were running high.

Flex them biceps

At the party, our Wine and Brew Club President's Sangria making skills were much appreciated by all but it was a special someone who stole the show with her super tasty pina coladas.

We also got a chance to witness the epic arm wrestle between Professor James and Gautam Malhotra. And of course, the Mick Jaggers of our class showed us their moves on the brilliant music played by our Hyderabad mate!

While our Wine and Brew Club Vice-President claims that 'the beer wasn't chilled enough', we're glad that everyone contributed to a fantastic evening that it was!

The masters of Wine & Brew!

Saaransh Khanna, Events Coordinator - Wine & Brew Club, Class of 2015

Moments captured by the Photography Club, ISB Mohali Campus

SLC Academic Awards

The Academic Awards were held by the SLC (Student Life Council) to recognise the stars of every section! There were 9 categories: best dressed to class, just out of bed look to class, TA's pet, forever late, first movers...first to class, CP king/queen, Mr/Miss Sleep-a-lot, and topper of the section. Nominees for every category were selected by a panel comprising of 8 people from every section. 

Teacher's pet...is that you?

Red carpet ready

We faced a lot of end moment crises- murphy's law! But the team did a brilliant job at tackling all these crises and putting up (an almost) flawless event! All the effort and sleepless nights were worth it in the end when we received praises from our classmates.

Enthralling the audience with their tunes

Our wonderful hosts for the evening

Pritika Anand, Director - SLC, Class of 2015

Moments captured by the Photography Club, ISB Mohali Campus

Bandhan 2014

15th August - an unforgettable day for all of us here at ISB, Mohali Campus. There was happiness and cheer all around, music and dance adding to the festive air. Kite-flying, painting, cultural performances were just some of the many activities happening in and around the campus.

Special thanks to Shitij Gupta and the Photography Club, Class of 2015, for capturing these beautiful moments!

A travesty called patriotism

As the dust settles on another independence day, take a pause and think – we may be independent but are we free? What does independence mean to us? Do we truly and deeply value it enough or have we become too selfish to even bother? The answers to these questions are buried deep in our conscience - so deep that our thoughts never pierce the impervious layer of egocentric indifference that separates the thoughts from these questions. Following few lines is an earnest appeal to ask ourselves some hard questions.

This night-bitten dawn; this stain-covered daybreak,
We became independent, perhaps for hell’s sake…
So fettered is this nation by abhorrence and morbid tack,
That God deserted this place a very long time back…

Back in the day when togetherness was our middle name,
We burnt our fingers, but we torched the flame…
We aspired to intelligence and fought for the right reason,
We respected our women – every day of every season…

Then the boundaries and hatred surfaced,
Love and bonhomie were nowhere to be traced…
Progress now meant imitation of the west,
We lost the plot because we digressed…

Violence and deception became the norm rather than exception,
As divisive forces sullied people’s perception…
Our ancestors left us a home we recklessly muddled,
The chaos and mess leaves one bemused and befuddled…

We take a bribe and then salute the flag,
We sing the anthem and then call it a drag…
Independence Day is now just another day off,
To blame destiny and to indulge in scoff…

About time we strive for common good and alleviate some sorrow,
For there are scores and scores who wished there was no tomorrow…
Spare a thought and perhaps a penny,
Share a shelter cos some don’t have any…

When we differentiate between
What to be and what not to be,
Will be the moment when we truly mean
Victory victory…victory to thee…

Kshiteesh Phansalkar, Class of 2015

Toastmaster Thursdays!

Public speaking is more than just addressing an audience. It entails feeling the pulse of the audience, connecting and engaging with it, and creating a forum that activates dialogue and inspires fruitful action. Ralph C. Smedley started the Smedley Chapter One Club in 1924 that eventually evolved into the Toastmasters club – now an international non-profit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide to help members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.

Here at ISB, we have a 30 member strong group of passionate and talented speakers who are getting progressively better with every speech. Every speaker starts with an icebreaker speech and follows it up with nine project speeches over the course of the one year at ISB. The speaker is thoroughly scrutinized on aspects such as stage presence, body language, gestures, ability to generate humor, ability to connect with the listeners, and grammar skills. Meetings are scheduled for every Thursday evening and are attended by members and non-members alike.

The Toastmasters club is one of the avenues on offer at ISB wherein students can make a tangible transformation in their personality, confidence, and appeal. We have witnessed marked changes in the speech delivery of almost all the speakers thus far, not only on forums such as these, but even in their daily interactions with fellow students. There are a few experienced speakers in the group (Arun, Shrikala, Abhishek, and Rakesh), who not only lend their precious inputs to the greenhorns, but also raise the standard every time they give speeches. Being the VP-education of the club has afforded me the opportunity to evaluate speakers on their grammar and general speech skills. It has been an enriching experience given the mutual learning.     

Five core members – the club president (Pooja Nayyar), VP-education (Kshiteesh Phansalkar), VP-public relations (Mohit Mittal), the treasurer (Kushal Vidyarthi), and VP-membership (Lester Noronha), run the Toastmasters club at ISB.

The awesomely awesome core committee

This forum works as a perfect training ground for leaders-to-be because being a powerful orator very closely correlates to success as a leader. The club here at ISB is doing a fabulous job of unearthing hidden talents and polishing the known ones. The bonhomie and admiration amongst the members at every meeting is seen to be believed. Every member is greeted with a rapturous applause before the speech and given a warm ovation at the end of it. This fosters a sense of oneness, mutual respect, and an environment of collective learning. Every meeting is a treat to be a part of and each one of us leaves a notch higher in intellect and a couple of notches higher in contentment!

Kshiteesh Phansalkar, Class of 2015

Candid Conversations - the ISB way

With the flurry of events, speaker sessions and late night parties thrown at us, we may just be missing out on knowing how much more awesome our professors are! Not just in class, but otherwise too. So we thought we would create a tradition to get close and personal with the superstars of the campus, our very own professors.

So, without further adieu, presenting to you the Debutante in the series- Candid Conversations- 'The ISB way'

Better quality version here

Saurabh Gokhale, Class of 2015

Going back is going forward

Going back to studying after working a full time job is no easy task. When I walked into the lush green Mohali campus at the Indian School of Business, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia that took me back to my undergraduate days.

What is it like to be studying at the Indian School of Business? Lots of adjectives come to mind, pride, happiness, a sense of fulfillment, and of course overwhelming in every sense. Over here, I’ve met people from different walks of life. A chartered accountant looking to study corporate finance from a legal perspective. An adept expert in IT systems itching to make a difference in the healthcare industry. A filmmaker who wants to learn the business nuances of the media world. The people, the scale of their achievements and their future goals inspires you to be a better person not just professionally, but personally as well.

This school stands out for its collaborative environment, something that the student population here dearly fosters. This has been a staple mental diet right from its founding batch, where people enter with different mindsets, yet work towards a common goal, helping each other in whichever way they can, whether it is a project that needs a specialty field understanding or an event that needs to be carried out successfully.

However, my favorite part of studying here, are the classes that I take. I walk out of every academic session as a different person, understanding better how things work in different industries, roles, functions and fields. Our world-class professors bring in their wealth of knowledge to each class, and we look forward to their innovative ways of teaching; whether it is conducting the legendary taste test to explain the Coke and Pepsi battlefield or teaching us to strategize like corporate honchos in the Markstrat world, the learning curve at the Indian School of Business is an upward one, where you are all but a sponge waiting to soak all that knowledge in. Another pleasant aspect is the stories that our professors narrate from different universities they frequent, whether it is Kellogg or Wharton, we understand that we all are pretty much working towards the same goal - being better managers in our future workplaces, while keeping the big picture in mind.

Two terms down, and I look back in complete fondness of the times that have gone by. What started out as an MBA adventure has changed into an introspective journey, where I find myself learning new things everyday, filling my memory jar with happy and fulfilling times and of course, the tingly feeling of excitement as I think of what the future terms hold in store for me.

Shrikala Kashyap, Class of 2015