10/02/2024
Visiting one's alma mater can be an enriching experience, often filled with nostalgia and a sense of connection to one's past. As an Alumnus of the prestigious Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC) Mumbai, I had the opportunity to revisit my own alma mater. I was fortunate to be invited as a jury of the Retail Communications Module of Advertising & Marketing Course (ADMA) at XIC. Thanks to the kind invitation of my industry colleague & friend, Namrata Sachdev, who has been an educator at XIC and an accomplished expert in spatial design, visual merchandising, and brand narratives.
What I found during this visit was not just a walk down memory lane after 22 years, but a rejuvenating encounter with the essence of learning and growth with a talented batch of 110 students of the ADMA course.
As I strolled through the familiar campus and halls at Xavier’s, I could not help but notice the palpable energy that permeated the atmosphere. The campus buzzed with activity, much like it did during my time as a student. However, what struck me the most was the vibrant community of students that thrived within its walls.
Interacting with the current students, I was impressed by their passion, enthusiasm, self-confidence, and exceptional creativity. Their eagerness to learn from my feedback as a jury and engage in meaningful conversations and explore diverse perspectives was truly inspiring. In their eyes, I saw a reflection of the same curiosity and hunger for learning that once fueled my own journey.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my visit was the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with the students. It was a humbling experience to be able to impart insights, knowledge, and mentorship to the next generation of creative thinkers and brand managers.
However, what I did not anticipate was how much I would learn from them in return. Over the 12 hrs of back-to-back case study presentations, I was exposed to in-depth insights and learnings of over 18 iconic brands in India and abroad. As an entrepreneur and founder of my own brands Pet Glam and Naturelix, I became present to some key gaps and opportunities we could improvise upon.
Engaging with the students exposed me to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking that challenged my own preconceptions and broadened my horizons. It reminded me of the importance of staying open-minded and embracing lifelong learning and be open to unlearn.
In essence, my visit to XIC Mumbai as an alumnus, was not just a trip down memory lane; but a transformative experience that reignited my passion for learning as well as mentoring and teaching youngsters as thought leaders of the future. As I bid farewell to the familiar campus and the bright faces of the students, I left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of education.
