I have started to build my own opinions and take ownership: Subhrajit Malakar

I did my schooling from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Pailapool. From the very beginning, I had it clear in my mind that I wanted to pursue my higher studies in the technical ground but wasn’t sure which one. So after my 10^th board exams, I applied for the entrance test of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) which is a deemed university in Arunachal Pradesh. The institution provides courses for the 11^th and the 12^th standard along with the branch chosen in particular. I luckily got into it and opted for the Electronics and Communication branch. 

My current college is IIM Kashipur. The journey to it was quite a challenging one, so let’s get to the overview of it. I had obtained my primary education from a state board school that mainly focused on the regional language due to which my foundation for basic English language was poor. As I have always considered myself to be a self-learner, I worked hard to polish the basics of the English language since it was very much required. Still, I had to focus on my verbal ability and reading comprehension as they were my weaknesses.

I did not attend any kind of formal coaching, but I did purchase the test series from the IMS coaching center for practicing. The time-bound tests helped in progressing as the percentile obtained from it was compared to all the IIM test takers from every other IMS center in the country. I also followed Arun Sharma's books which were of great help. So basically, I appeared for SNAP, CAT, and IIFT. My primary focus was on IIFT and CAT. IIFT, because I always had a keen interest in international business. I had targeted for IIFT Delhi but unfortunately couldn’t clear the interview. Later I got a few other options of fulfilling my IIM dream. I strived for it and got into IIM Kashipur. This is how I landed in IIM Kashipur, working in progress to pursue my dreams.

Life at IIM is hectic and occupied. My day starts with waking up at 7 a.m., heading to breakfast at 8 and by 8:30, I am running for classes. The classes are extended till 4 p.m. with off periods and breaks in between. I grab myself whatever I can from the mess in these breaks. As the evening draws near, after the classes get over, there’s always time for some sport or naps, whichever one prefers. There’s always group meets or competitions or quizzes held which demands my attention. 8:30 p.m. is the dinner time, after which next day's assignments are done along with pre-reads for the next day. Most of the time when the hunger strikes, I run to the night canteen to satiate the midnight cravings. Then I wrap up the day to go to sleep and wake up the next day to follow it all over again.

I believe extra-curricular activities are very important as it brings out the potential in every individual, be it related to sports or technical or volunteering. As for myself, I’m more inclined towards volunteering and I’ve participated in a few. I like to keep myself busy most of the times by participating in various competitions as it pushes my abilities. Talking about the experiences that the college gave me or is still giving me has slowly changed me from the inside. I’ve started to build my own opinions and take ownership whenever I go out in groups. I have become more resistant and consistent as compared to before. Also, my confidence has built up to a whole new level. Truth be told, these are just a few experiences and many more are yet to come. 

About the Author:

Subhrajit Malakar, an aspiring management student of IIM Kashipur is an outgoing and active individual since childhood. He completed his schooling from JNV Pailapool and B.Tech from NERIST. He has a keen interest in boxing, table tennis and travelling, having travelled 19 states of the country by himself and wishes to complete all by 2020. You may sometimes find him trying his skills in the writing section too which he enjoys thoroughly when others share their views on it as it fuels him further to write more. Pretty close to the nature having born and brought up in the beautiful northeastern state of Assam. Finally, one rule which he sincerely lives by, "Work hard, party harder".