A Lesson from My Father
"Student for Life"—a phrase imparted to me by my father, a
retired senior veteran of the Army, when I was commissioned into the military
after rigorous training at the Academy. As a young 22-year-old, eager for
combat and inspired by legendary war stories from movies and Academy days, I
considered this notion unbelievable—a myth far removed from reality. However,
reality soon proved otherwise.
Early Lessons in Adaptability
and Scientific Thinking
In the early months of my deployment in the terror-inflicted regions of
Jammu & Kashmir, I adopted a Gung-Ho attitude, a mindset that was shattered
when our post was struck by an avalanche. By sheer luck, we escaped without
casualties. Later, we learned that the excellent positioning of our post,
accounting for slope trajectories and geographic factors, had prevented the
avalanche from hitting us directly. This was a result of the meticulous work
done by our predecessors, who had chosen the location. This experience was my
first lesson in the Army’s commitment to scientific design—where everything,
from the bullets you fire to your diet and fitness regime etc, is carefully
planned and continuously improved through study and research.
Continuous Learning: A
Defining Feature of My Career
Throughout my service, my training extended far beyond weapons and
tactics. I underwent extensive courses in communications, nuclear warfare,
logistics & financial management. I successfully cleared promotional exams
covering topics such as military history, current affairs and law, applying
this knowledge throughout my career. Understanding history allowed me to
prevent past mistakes, knowledge of law helped me navigate legal challenges,
and awareness of global events kept me grounded in the real world.
Bridging Theory and Practice
The Army’s structured and institutionalized training kept me engaged,
enhancing my skills in tactics, administration, and strategic affairs. These
courses, combined with real-world application, enabled me to manage crises and
sensitive situations effectively. From my early days, I was driven by natural
curiosity, always eager to understand the underlying causes of situations. How
else could a young officer in his twenties convince psychologically affected
civilians to maintain peace? How else could we survive the logistical
challenges of being winter cut off in hostile terrain?
Expanding My Horizons
In the latter part of my service, I broadened my focus beyond
conventional military roles, exploring areas such as information warfare,
media, social media, cybersecurity, public relations, narrative building, and
conflict management. Many of these areas were not part of structured training
but emerged from my own research and interests. Each time I was posted to a new
region, I immersed myself in its history, understanding the geopolitical
dynamics that shaped it. This research provided a deeper understanding of the
challenges at hand, enabling me to make informed, critical decisions that
sharpened my leadership.
Transitioning to the
Corporate World
Now, I am embarking on a new challenge—transitioning into the corporate
world. I am eager to blend my unique experiences with the nuances of this
entirely different realm. I believe that pursuing this at ISB will provide the
ideal environment for this transition. The opportunity to learn from a diverse
group of individuals in the cohort and under the guidance of esteemed faculty
will serve as the perfect catalyst for my next phase of growth.
Looking Ahead: My Vision for
Growth
In the Army, I thrived in a team-oriented environment where success
depended on the collective efforts of the team. I have enhanced my skills in
building cohesive teams, fostering camaraderie, and empowering subordinates.
This collaborative approach is what I hope to continue nurturing at ISB through
the PGPMAX program that stands out for its unparalleled focus on senior
executives, blending academic rigor with practical insights. This program’s
emphasis on global business perspectives, coupled with its cohort-based
learning model, aligns perfectly with my aspirations.
Other
key factors influencing my choice include strategic
management skills, the PGPMAX program’s curriculum is designed to bridge
the gap between operational execution and strategic vision, equipping me with
the skills necessary to tackle complex business challenges. Further as an Army officer, I have led
diverse teams in high-pressure environments. ISB’s focus on leadership
development will help me refine these skills for corporate settings, ensuring a
seamless transition.
I
envision gaining valuable insights from the renowned faculty of ISB and it's
peer network and also the diverse cohort of experienced professionals. Their
invaluable insights, that can lead to innovative solutions and professional
opportunities and possible collaborations will be a major gain for me.
In
conclusion the PGPMAX program offers a unique blend of academic learning and
practical application, making it the ideal platform to pivot from a military
career to a corporate role.
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