As another generation of business school students conclude their studies we ask them to reflect on Graduation Day and the lifelong impact of their studies…
- Name: Tanya Kausha
- Institution: Indian Institute of Management Indore
- Degree: Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP)
- Job title: Business Consultant
How does participating in a graduation ceremony help you emotionally mark the end of your student journey and prepare for what’s next?
As a participant of the Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP), I found the graduation ceremony at the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) to be a very sentimental and important occasion.
It signified not just the successful completion of my academic career but also the accumulation of innumerable experiences, both gratifying and demanding, that moulded me into the person I am today.
“Graduation signified not just the successful completion of my academic career but also the accumulation of innumerable experiences, both gratifying and demanding, that moulded me into the person I am today.”
-Tanya Kausha
It was a time of silent introspection and thankfulness to cross that threshold. I was able to absorb the change from college life to the working world because it provided me with a sense of finality.
Although saying goodbye to a place that had become my home was sad, the ceremony signalled a significant turning point in my life and a chance to apply the ideals and lessons I learnt at IIM Indore to the next phase of my life.
What does it mean to you to be recognized publicly for your learning and accomplishment, and who do you feel you’re representing as you cross the stage?
As the Coordinator of the Students Activity Council (SAC Coordinator) at IIM Indore, receiving public recognition for my leadership and academic achievements was really momentous.
It was a testament to the teamwork and encouragement I experienced during my time at IIM Indore, and it was not just a personal accomplishment. When I was up on the stage, I believed that I was speaking for everyone who had helped me along the way, including our Director, Prof. Himanshu Rai, and all the faculty members, peers, and others.
“As the SAC Coordinator, I brought the energy and voice of the student body with me.”
-Tanya Kausha
As the SAC Coordinator, I brought the energy and voice of the student body with me. It was an occasion that celebrated the tenacity of the individual as well as the power of group dedication to student leadership and wellbeing.
In a world where learning never really ends, what does ‘graduating’ mean to you, and what kind of impact do you want to make with what you’ve learned?
For me, graduating is a milestone, not a destination. It signifies the change from regimented academic education to a more comprehensive, lifetime path of development and service. True learning never stops, and graduating signifies a formal preparation to face new challenges with accountability and purpose.
With the knowledge and understanding I’ve acquired, particularly via student leadership, I want to make a difference in environments that prioritise compassion, teamwork, and inclusive development. I want to create spaces where people feel heard, empowered, and inspired to develop together, whether in business or community involvement.
What is the single most memorable aspect of your studies that you will remember long after graduation?
Serving as the SAC Coordinator will definitely be the highlight of my time at IIM Indore. I was challenged in ways that no classroom could, and that experience changed my life.
I gained first-hand knowledge of what it takes to lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience by addressing student concerns, working with administration, planning major events, and handling emergencies.
Long after I graduate, the lessons I learnt from those experiences will continue to influence how I handle problems in my career and personal development.
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