Hell breaks loose…
Its 23rd June. 8-30 am. A sea of humanity has gathered outside Samanjasya waiting for the inaugural address. The gamut of emotions is a sight to behold : Angst, Ecstasy, Excitement, Jitter, Skepticism, Zeal… There’s a buzz about the place. A common thought fills the minds of all- What now ???
Everyone is ushered into the hall and the cool ambience inside is a welcome relief from the barbequish temperatures outside. Then began a 19 hour ordeal which infused us with the sort of exuberance which will set the tone for the next 22 months. Well, I wont delve into the rigmarole of the thrill-a-minute Day1 of Induction 2009. But I cant leave out on the highlights as well. Here goes:
Director’s Address: Mr. Devi Singh held the audience rapt with his amazing and highly inspiring address. Each one of us was welcomed into the IIM Lucknow family with the ardour of a doting father. We took the pledge, promising our alma mater to abide by its code of conduct and preserve the sanctity of its yore with our impeccable demeanour. Each of us was filled with euphoria coupled with pride at being a part of this prestigious institute.
Ice Breaking Session : For a batch of close to 400 students, this is one activity which is sine qua non. Although we were divided into 6 sections, nevertheless here was an opporunity to know closely each other inside out. There was a deluge of information and trivia about each one of us with a central theme. Although not many of us can claim to remember an iota of what was shared (the name/face combination would suffice for the time being), the amount of energy filling the room was stupendous. A sign of times to come ?
Seniors take over : By this time, the seniors were itching to have a rendezvous with their beloved juniors. And as expected, there was a smattering of badinage which garnished their confabulations. They organised some very creative activities, which would give us a taste of things to expect, and also to create a fun-filled atmosphere where the juniors celebrated with abandonment. And to top it up, there was a special composition to commemorate the 25th batch at hell, our very own campus song !!!
Midnight session @ Hostel : And finally we all gathered outside our respective hostels to bond with our seniors who are gonna be our inmates for the next year. Amidst chips and cola, the atmosphere was electric with jokes, songs, dance, leg-pulling (by seniors), and a motley of entertaining stuff. Those of us who had harboured thoughts of catching few winks were in for a better experience. The day begins at night they said. And we experienced it first hand. Chants of H12 H12 resonated throughout the corridors. And finally the day (????) ended @ 3 am.
So much for the 1st day at hell. Morning 6 am @ the mess for the solidarity march. Red eyes, swollen lids, dark circles. Is this de riguer now ???
