Sunday, 31 August 2014

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

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

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

Thursday, 21 August 2014

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

Monday, 18 August 2014

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

Sunday, 17 August 2014

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

Saturday, 16 August 2014

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!









Friday, 15 August 2014

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