Convocation is always a heady time on campus. A palpable sense of energy and expectation permeates the air. And for some of us who have been participating in the cycle for some years now, it’s a time for nostalgia and introspection. There is no doubt that MICA has seen the turn of tides, the ups and downs and the growing pangs of a young organization. But it never ceases to amaze me, as to how much growth has been achieved in the last 18 years. Aside from a rock solid reputation, MICA’s campus infrastructure is quite possibly the best among management schools in India today. And it is certainly of international standards. From a mere 42 in the first batch, the campus now comfortably manages over 350 students on its grounds. Whenever we have played the sectoral rankings game, we have popped up among the top 10 B-Schools in India. Average placement salaries slot us with the best in India and the alumni list is starting to reflect significant industry clout and influence. Most interesting is how the range and number of companies coming to campus has evolved. It is no mean task to place over 150 demanding students, and the presence of some of the most exciting global brands on campus, is a heartening sign.
All this is the good news. But as I reflect over what has changed and what remains unchanged, I realize that the enduring quality of MICA is its unique culture. MICAN’s are constantly debating and arguing over every facet of MICA’s being and its future roadmap. This is a reflection of the questioning, liberal and open mind set that permeates everyone who gets associated with MICA. It signifies a campus culture where the mind is free, and every individual’s perspective has space for itself. The other narrative that regularly grabs public discourse, is the question of whether we are clear about our positioning, and the industries we serve. Here I am perhaps more comfortable than others, with the new generation idea that everything exists in “real time” today. And the idea of a fixed positioning is passé. Yes, we need to know which direction we are heading in. And our ethos is that everything is built on the foundation of communications. But beyond that, it is quite natural that the industries we serve, our curriculum, students, faculty, everything evolves constantly to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.
