"Checked in at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade - just now”

“Reached!!! Will miss you Chandigarh...- at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata” read my Facebook status and thus began the month long journey which changed me and my personality.

            IIFT, like a theatre of dreams welcomed me when I stepped out of the taxi. The journey from the airport to IIFT was an exhilarating experience in itself, I somewhat connected to the city in that 20 odd minute drive: the people, the traditional taxis, the ever so pleasant weather and people speaking an alien language yet in a subtle way (“Dada” was the only word I grabbed). Though I loved the city, I wasn’t here for mere enjoyment but to pursue a course whose realities and struggles are still a mystery to me.

             Life of an MBA grad can truly be lived or let’s say realized when we are in the mix of things. The first week at IIFT went away in a jiffy with introductory classes with teachers, course outlines and everything that came with it; all was going smooth but one thing still concerned everyone- “Where are our Seniors?” And then came Friday (should have been the 13th) when our Induction Program started. I believe that the first week was just a sugar coated version of what lay in wait for us. To get us acculturated to the MBA program, all hell broke loose with the IAP Team. What followed were assignments to be completed, competitions to compete in and most importantly to develop the skills necessary to succeed as future managers.

            For the next two weeks, each mistake our batch made had an unequal and dreadful reaction from the seniors. Assignments to be completed by EOD, 4-5 people tethered to one hotspot, the same frown on our faces when the clock struck 11.30 PM and there was a mountain to climb in half an hour- the story of every night. But as soon as the commotion ended, and the clock struck 11:59:59, you could actually hear a huge sigh of relief from each hostel like everyone had won a battle all on their own. But all of us understood that eventually “Ache din aane wale hai!!”

            Juggling between IAP and studies, I got a chance to participate and experience a competition like no other- Last Man Standing A.K.A. “Corporate Roadies”. After successful business plans, the horrifying financial (e)valuation and vote outs, I survived this gruelling 2 week competition and came out as The Last Man Standing but the journey was more special to me than the reward. Another highlight of my life at IIFT was when I became the JCC of the Koshish Club of IIFT, it instilled a sense of pride in me.

            Becoming slowly accustomed to the life at IIFT- the sleepless nights, the late entries in classes (even if it's only 2 minutes), making friends for life, I am in love with the process although it's a new struggle with every passing day. IAP ended, but we're so into the process that we realized our potential - we have it in us, we have a brand value. We had some moments of relief through fresher’s party and football match which further cemented our bond with the seniors. Thereafter, PlaceCom took the baton and started our preparation for the summers which all of us strive to achieve. The “Game of CV Points” has begun with students actively participating in each and every competition they can lay their hands on.

            It's amazing to see 93 people all striving for success in this cut-throat competition. Life here at IIFT never stops, “for the night is dark and full of terrors.” and “Summer is coming”.

By Piyush Sood ( IIFT 2014-16)

By a Writer Missing his childhood

Bahut yaad aataa hai woh khula-lamba chabutraa,
Woh sardiyon ki khilli dhoop ,
Woh dhoop mein sookhte papad aur achaar ke marthbaan,

Woh dalaan ka jhoola ,woh amwaa ki tehani ,woh kachi kairiyaan,
Bahut yaad aataa hai.

Woh chabutarey ki dyodi per chidiyaaon ko bajare ke  daane chugaanaa , 
Woh ghaath lagaye billi ko door bhagana,
Bahut yaad aata hai.

Woh guzra zamana,

Woh baarishon mein chabutarey ki naaliyaan band ker usme nahana,
Woh chai –pakodon ki daawat udana,
Woh matke ki kulfi,woh kathey ka paan,woh meethe chooran ki pudiyaa,woh meethi supaari,
Woh laal hothon pe ek doosre ko chidhana,
Bahut yaad ata hai, 
Woh guzra zamana.

Woh dadi se do rupiyon ke liye zid per ad jana,
Woh gullak ki khanak per khushi se pagal ho jana,
Woh dadi ki lakdi ki kiwaad waali almaari,
Jo kisi bhanumati ke pitarey se kam nahi lagti thi,
Jisme se  nikaal ker dadi gari aur misri diya kerti thi,
Uss misri ka swaad,
Bahut yaad ata hai .

Woh teek dopahari mein sookhi galiyon mein daudana,
Poori dopahar aam , amrood  aur jaamun ke baagon mein khelna,
Woh ladna jhagadana,
Jhagad ke manana,
Bahut yaad ata hai,
Woh guzra zmana .

Thak ker jab sham ko waapas ghar aanaa ,to daadi ka laad ke saath dena,
Woh ghee lagi choolhe ki roti , woh namkeen ghar ki biloyi  chaach , woh safed makhan ke pinde,
Woh  sabzi aur saag,woh mitti ke choolhe ka woh saundhaa dhuaan,
Bahut yaad tata hai.

Woh garami ki raaton  ko  jab daadi  bahar ussi chabutarey per bistar laga deti thi,
Jinhe chandani raat ki narm roshni thande ker jaati,
Aur jab raaton ko usper letey  upar aasmaan ke sitarien dekhte- dekhte, jaane kab neend  aankho mein chali aati thi,
Ussi bistar ka  woh bichona, woh kambal,woh rui ka takiyaa,
Bahut yaad aataa hai .

Woh Gaon ,woh mandir ,woh ghanti ,wo khel , woh galiyaan  ,woh jhoolein, woh aam ,woh jaamun ,
Woh baag – bagichi , woh dost ,woh masti,
Bahut yaad aataa hai,
Woh guzra zamana ,
Bahut yaad aataa hai BACHPAN hamara.

                

By a Lover

I'm lost nowhere, 

In the memory lane,

Where I miss u,

I feel u & I die for u,

Almost every day...

Even sometimes,

I impeach u,

For loving me this way,

I have spent countless nights,

Waiting at midway...

I still dream of "US" &

I wish u to come out of my dream &

Walk along with me,

It’s becoming ruthless,

When I feel u in me, day by day...

My world devastated,

The moment u left,

Love could not apart,

Here I confess...

Once I was loved by u...

That's indeed a bliss...

I'd never felt that strong,

I acquit u for loving me more,

I set u free,

To meet u again,

Somewhere down the road...

LOVE YOU.

By a Dilliwala

Delhi flaunts to be a perfect hangout place. No doubt, it is justly said 'No job, no girlfriend, nothing to do..Come to Delhi'. Simply wandering around on the streets of this capital city, itself gifts tourists enough memories to cherish later. The streets pulsate with rocking activities and even rock shows that also add a melody to the tour. Delhi is a relatively easy city to find your way around, although it is very spread out. The serene sectors nestles in the southern part with wide tree-lined avenues, but still with the Indian touches of doe-eyed cows calmly ignoring the traffic, and squatter hovels on wasteland. Every corner unleashes a different experience and every road takes you to a different paradise.

Delhi’s winters

How Delhi loves the winters... The glass panes on the buses, which are otherwise intact, were sure to break in the winters, and the killing cold would come and fill your lungs with ice. Everywhere, there is the alluring smell of roasting peanuts. Under the flyover nearby, a man makes expert omlettes and places them amidst twin breads. Savour them with a glass of hot tea. Warm up your spirits sitting beside a bonfire, and rubbing your hands in the orange flare. Hire a 'tonga' (horse cart) and get into it. It is a fascinating experience, more if your stomach is full and you have a trustworthy sun, glowing above your head. Get a dozen of green guavas and savour them with a pinch of red salt. Oh! Its so tasty
The winters make it a nice time to visit the zoological park. Roam amidst the myriad cages housing curious animals peeping from behind the bars. Hear the tigers roar, the snakes creep and the crocs shed tears while you enjoy the monkeys acrobatics amid abstract interiors. Drive to India Gate and chuck yourself on the green carpeted lawns of Lutyen's Delhi. Indulge into the tedious task of peanut purification and gaze around. You will see hoardes of tourists and denizens lazing around under the bright Delhi sun. Old women busy knitting colourful sweaters and mufflers for younger ones, amazingly without chucking a single glance to what they are into. Tourists in warm outfits wandering around indeed crate a mini-India on the sprawling grounds.

A boat cruise on the shimmering waters of the lake behind Purana Kila, can be a good idea to laze out the afternoons. You can also get yourself hot boiled eggs with a spicy mix of onions and green chillies garnished with salt and pepper. It is also a time when Delhi pulsates with the gaiety of Christmas and New Year. Trimmed Christmas trees, swinging bells and their euphonic chimes make for a bright day, and in the evening, when the streets and malls are decorated with lights, it surely creates an impressive sight. It is a time when people from far away places visit their homes, it is a time of meeting loved ones and gift them something they will remember forever

Sarojini Nagar Market, this bustling market is a hip yet cheap market in south delhi ,   picking up exquisite items in an affordable price is not the only reason that attracts thousands of Delhites everyday, but the fun in wandering its labyrinthine lanes equipped with colourful shops that do the job. Don't miss to savour a round of hot 'jalebis' at the Mucchal Halwayi ki Dukaan, low-priced yummy chole bhature and banta available there.seeing sweet looking firangees doing bargain with local shopwallahs is common scene here its kind of clumsy but beautiful in some ways.
Lajpat Nagar, Traditional indian bazaar, The place is considered as one of the best places to get everything under one roof as far as shopping is concerned. A quaint fixture are the Tibetan ladies that sell freshly steamed vegetable dumplings called "momos";steamed right in front of you in cane basket contraptions.

3Cs, that has been opened recently, and is a big hub for youngsters and college-goers. You can see people munching popcorn and sitting astride on the road side walls, with sounds of laughter drenching your ears in breaks.

Last but not least is the amazing Golden fiesta – which offers mouth savouring delicious chines platters  pasteries ,grilled sndwchs nd  soothening frozen slashes .

In the evenings, the whole place glimmers like a newly wed bride with colourful lights embellishing the high-rises.

Connaught Circle, or CP as it is better known undoubtedly , the hanging hub of Delhi , it has lot of huge colonnaded structure houses, ,big beautiful shops, national and international brands offering ethnic toexotic products ,beautiful spaceous lanes where u can stroll and feel the place ,there are lot people in colorfull clothes.cannought palace  is also a delight for a gourment as  confectionaries of 1920s  wenger’s  , famous shakes of keventters ,  authentic chinese food experience of yo china ,and yes don't miss the delicious 'paneer pakoras' (cottage cheese fries) available with spicy coriander sauce, that will linger your memories all through your stay in Delhi. .

The Curious Palika circleVisit this utterly confusing underground market with its 400 odd shops but a good place to buy electronic gadgets .

SE (South Extension) - if you want to see a brighter and opulent side for your hang outs, move to GK (Greater Kailash) or SE (South Extension). Fringed with multinational brand showrooms and trendy fashion houses Gucci,prada,Louis vuttino etc, these places are a big hub for aristrocrat denizens. Eat 'chat' or momo and savour silver foil wrapped delicious 'paans' available in cigarette shops. You can even quench your thirst with a mug of beer in the numerous bars and discotheques that trim the locality.

KHAN MARKET Posh and trendy, this market is famous for its food joints, bookstores & apparel shops. Though a bit heavy on the wallet, this place sees a huge crowd.
Lodhi Garden Lodi Garden evokes romanticism at every turn. It is located at a stone's throw from India International Centre (IIC) and to the west of Humanyu’s Tomb. The Lodi Garden is known for its rich voluminous and lush green retreat from the daily hustle bustle. Morning attracts joggers and you can find lots of people doing morning exercise at regular basis. People come here from far to get greenest and cleanest air, which becomes elusive all day long.
The Garden is not confined to greenery; it has ponds, and thick forest type ambiance
India Gate Park Lawns around the famous India Gate are very popular among tourists and the people of Delhi. These lawns are favorite picnic spots and people find time to spend a calm evening strolling on these lawns. It is a great sight with India Gate standing tall and handsome at one end of Janpath. People enjoy ice creams, snacks and other eatables from vendors.

By a Son

When she took me in her arms with affection in her eyes,
I thought everything else was just a disguise,
Could see the whole world in those two eyes,
But ,when i saw outside,
I realized,
That nothing last forever
And than i ran and hugged her tight,
She still had that heavenly affection in her eyes,
That glimpse of the godly radiance gave me a belief,
Which trickled down my face with a sigh of relief,
That i have my mother with me,
There are many who are not fortunate as me.

By a student

Being a student is without a doubt challenging. Moving away from the comfort of the room you've spent 18 years of your life in, can be scary. So many new faces, so many new things to see and do. Money burns a hole in your pocket and before you know it you've run out the essentials . You have to not only roll out of bed in time to make it to your lectures, you have to look after yourself.

 The first few weeks you spend trying to see how many wears you can squeeze out of your clothes, and you're afraid to get too close to anyone in lieu of how they could turn out to be. In college u have to strike a right balance between your newly gained freedom and the responsibility that comes along with it , it’s like walking on a tight rope, balancing the both. In college we're free birds ; take a flight to any heights but keeping in mind the ultimate destination , one's goal with which we enter the college. We get an opportunity to explore ourselves analyze our personalities, shortcomings, qualities. We get immense space to know our own self , along with that ,in this journey we also meet a lot of people from varied backgrounds and strata with different personalities , habits and beliefs  some remains acquitances , some become friends ,some good friends and some ascend to the level of special friends.

We learn to adapt to different environment and atmosphere ,working in teams and sharing of rewards and accolades. We learn to prioritize our life, get to know the value of each second we spend and who can forgot the value of each lecture bunked. We learn to manage things that were till some time ago were difficult for us to handle and we became an adult  from the kid we used to be. It’s the duration of life when we learn to control our outflow of feelings , the value of each penny saved or spent. The importance of friends and parents. It’s during this time we redefine ourselves , we make our own existence in this gruelling world and build that solid foundation on which our uncertain future would be based upon, it doesn’t matter what happens after but its important what happens during this period.  It’s the time when we create memories to cherish , relations to die for and some of us even meet that special someone with we wish to spend our rest of our life with. Each one of us knows it inside ourselves that whatever happens we wont be able to forget  this journey, its precious as it can be , its memorable as we can make it or as forgettable if we don’t care for it.

 It all happens and it happens during the student life. Being A student is a hard work for sure but the fun quotient in never less either. So Have fun and strive to be happy. Achieve what you can and make the most out of it. I would like to end this from a quotation by Henry L. Doherty, he said  ;

“Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study.  Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.  ”