Change is inevitable. Change is constant.

This is how life has changed for me in the recent times.

From Software Developer to Student
From Infosys to IFMR
From Salary to Pocket Money
From Selaiyur to Nungambakkam
From Bunking Office to Bunking College
From Tech/Domain tests to end term exams
From Allen Solly to Peter England
From Killer to Trigger
From Lifestyle to Sarvana stores
From Spending Power to Cost CuttingPower
From Woodland to Bata
From Reebok to Action
From Apsa Kitchen to Bakya Fast Food
From Residency buffet to Dhaba Express buffet
From Bikes & Barrels to Apna Terrace
From Aila Plane to Bhartiya Rail
From Personal Loan to Educational Loan
From Inox to Ega

Thank God, some things like good food, sound sleep, peace of mind and love of family & friends have not changed!

But then its fair enough...

I woke up early today, after so many days. I guess the last time I woke up early was on the diwali day, after a lot of nagging by my mom. So I went to the terrace of the hostel and sat there for a while, looking at the spectacular sunrise over sarvana stores :) I agree it would have been more beautiful without the sarvana store, but then it’s fair enough. God has his own ways to remind you where you are, even amidst nature’s stunning creations!

I came to my room to get the cam and went back to the terrace. By this time the sun was hiding behind the clouds… I waited and waited but he simply refused to show up… But it’s fair enough; even I am showing up on an early morning after so many days…

Then there was a flock of birds tweeting (although they don’t have a twitter account), chirping and flying in all directions. They seemed to be quite busy. As if they had to catch the 6:45 fast local train to CST and rush to work, lol. I know that doesn’t go well, it’s quite unromantic. But then it’s fair enough… I am neither a writer nor a poet :)

Then there was this revolting crow, who kept bugging me for quite some time. He was later joined by his friends.

By the way, there’s an animal kingdom here at the mambalam hostel. And she is one of our most recent guests.

But then its fair enough.. There are another 50 odd unusual creatures, staying here since the commencement of PGDM Batch 10 at IFMR:)

Lakshmi Bal Mahotsava – A one of its kind event!

Have you ever imagined a kid’s carnival or mela at your institute?

A Hundred and seventy innocent kids involved in interesting activities, events and competitions?

A colorful noisy campus with a lot of dynamism, energy and excitement?

That’s exactly what it was at the Institute for Financial Management and Research, Chennai as it celebrated the 2^nd edition of Lakshmi Bal Mahotsava (LBM) on Sunday, 29^th November 2009. For starters, Lakshmi Bal Mahotsava was launched an year ago in memory of Lakshmi Iyer Appu, a beloved student of IFMR’s Batch of 2010. The event is organized by Samarthan, the social service club of IFMR and aims at providing a day of fun and learning for underprivileged kids. This year, the event saw participation from 171 children representing 4 different NGO’s Exnora, Sevalaya, SRS Sarvodaya Girls Hostel and Nesakaram (Seeds).

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The little guests at IFMR had a blast as they indulged in activities like painting, balloon blasting and quizzing. They also played unusual games like coin trajectory, maths relay race, potato hunt and hoopla among others. They won instant prizes in the form of toys and chocolates in these games. Then there was the Merry-Go-Round and a Juice stall for their refreshment.

The afternoon session saw a puppet show, a pot making contest and ended with a sizzling dance performances by the kids on hindi and tamil desi beatsJ. It was pleasing to see all the kids intermingle with students, volunteers, guests and kids from other NGO’s. The kids spread their contagious enthusiasm and delight throughout the campus and eventually one could see smiling faces all around!

Samarthan would like to thank its friends and partners- Business Standard, Radio One, makemytrip.com, WPC, Adayar Ananda Bhavan, Arun Ice-creams, IFMR trust, IFMR Research centers for their unconditional support, which made the event a grand success.

(L) Drawing & (R) Singing competition

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(L) Merry-Go-Round; (R) Balloon bursting event

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(L) Aiming bulls eye; (R) Quiz event