My Journey as a Vedica Scholar

My living room harbors dormant luggage boxes, neglected and untouched. The persistent prodding from my mom over the past 50 days finally impels me towards the unexplored territory of box number 1. Upon opening it, a photograph emerges from the depths – a captured moment with my roommates Mahi and Mahak, perched atop piles of winter garments that provided solace during the chilly days in Delhi last winter. The photograph serves as a vessel, transporting me backwards through time, revisiting the Dhwani of 18 months past – a version of myself before embarking on the transformative journey to self-improvement and prior to my association with Vedica. The ensuing 18 months materialize in a rapid time-lapse before my eyes. My gaze now moist, tears cascade as a testament to the relationships forged and the affection felt for the individuals I encountered. A resonant quote surfaces in my thoughts: "You will never be completely at home again, because a part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place." This poignant line, once read somewhere, returns to me with unparalleled relatability, encapsulating the essence of my experiences. This piece unfolds as I attempt to weave the various lessons and experiences into a single narrative - my story as a Vedica scholar.

In the year 2022, I found myself employed in Bombay within a remarkable organization, surrounded by a stellar team and manager, fostering deep friendships, and experiencing genuine fulfillment and happiness. Professionally, it seemed I had reached an all-time high, with a potential promotion on the horizon and new opportunities unfolding. I had no intentions of quitting. Yet, an unforeseen force persuaded my parents to advocate for an MBA for me. Reluctantly, I began exploring B-schools throughout the country, despite my genuine unwillingness to leave my current job. Interestingly, my mother, affiliated with FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter, attended an event where Anuradha Das Mathur, the dean at Vedica, delivered a compelling talk. Moved by the discourse, my mother took a leap of faith in Anuradha's guidance, asserting that Vedica held the key to filling the gaps in my personal, academic, and professional aspirations. A family friend's decision to enroll in the same institution, coupled with conversations with her and several alumni, prompted me to apply to Vedica.

Fast forward to 18 months ago, a 24-year-old apprehensive Dhwani arrived in Delhi, carrying a suitcase brimming with dreams, determined to carve a niche in today's dynamic world while grappling with the question, "Who do you want to be?" Yet, beneath the surface, this Dhwani was fraught with fear, hypersensitivity, stress, and a penchant for meticulous planning. Joining Vedica marked a pivotal moment in my journey. While already entrenched in the marketing realm, something felt incomplete. Vedica proved to be the missing link in my professional puzzle, transforming me from a control freak to someone willingly embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth, akin to teaching a non-swimmer to swim by plunging them into the pool.

Vedica boasts a distinctive model, offering four primary tracks - management practice, liberal arts, communication, and personal growth - all interwoven into a curriculum designed to cultivate leaders for the contemporary workforce. Its holistic approach transcends mere academic or professional development, nurturing individuals in their entirety. The program's interdisciplinary ethos, emphasis on core values, and robust support system, including mentors and track leaders, foster a comprehensive educational journey. Vedica not only prepares individuals for careers but instills in them the ability to lead fulfilling and integrated lives.

Undoubtedly, Vedica has been a transformative journey for me, marked by a significant shift in self-awareness. This newfound clarity has fundamentally reshaped how I navigate choices and decisions, both professionally and personally. By understanding my strengths, weaknesses, and unique attributes, I've become better equipped to make informed decisions aligned with my capabilities. Rather than dwelling excessively on my weaknesses, Vedica has instilled in me the importance of leveraging my strengths to their fullest potential. This shift in philosophy has not only elevated my individual performance but has also influenced my approach to teamwork. I now firmly believe in cultivating teams that complement each other's strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses. Recognizing and harnessing the unique abilities of each team member fosters a synergy that not only enhances efficiency but also cultivates a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Furthermore, I've come to understand that attitude triumphs over talent. Possessing the right attitude and sincerity is paramount to professional growth. While skills can be taught, willpower is intrinsic. Passion, hard work, and commitment are irreplaceable. Sachin Tendulkar exemplifies the combination of talent and a strong work ethic, while a lack of diligence can lead one down the path of Vinod Kambli. In the face of setbacks, resilience is key—embrace challenges as opportunities to emerge stronger.

What I learned from my program mentor, Devendra Chawla, was an insightful approach to problem-solving. Rather than diving headfirst into the issue, he encouraged me to step back and detach myself from it, enabling me to see the problem in its entirety. This perspective shift was crucial, as it prevented me from rushing into conclusions prematurely. He emphasized the importance of considering alternative viewpoints and perspectives, emphasizing that problem-solving is not a race to the quickest solution. Instead, he urged me to take my time, thoroughly understand the problem at hand, and carefully analyze the stakeholders involved. Rather than fixating solely on my own perspective, I learned to value the diverse insights and experiences of others. This shift in mindset allowed me to break free from the paralysis that often accompanied challenging problems. Now, I approach problems with a sense of curiosity and openness, viewing them as opportunities for growth and innovation. I've come to realize that there are always multiple ways to perceive and address a problem, each offering its own unique insights and solutions. This understanding of the power of multiple perspectives has transformed my approach to problem-solving, enabling me to navigate challenges with confidence and creativity.

What I gleaned from my shadow mentor was the essence of excellence and the importance of wholeheartedly embracing it. Allow me to encapsulate my shadowing experience with a brief anecdote. In a meeting, someone queried my mentor, Erin, about her entertainment preferences. She chuckled and responded, "I find entertainment in excelling at things." This encounter underscored the significance of positive self-talk, emphasizing that who you are evolving into holds equal importance to your professional or academic accomplishments. Recognizing the critical role of self-perception in personal growth became a profound lesson during this mentoring experience. During my shadowing period, I had the privilege of meeting Nina Vaca, who addressed our batch of interns. As she entered the conference room, her energy was palpable. Without delay, she initiated the meeting by genuinely expressing gratitude for our presence. Take a moment to envision the CEO of a global company, stemming from a one-woman IT staffing firm to an international workforce solutions powerhouse, pausing to thank interns. This, in itself, was a lesson in humility. As I absorbed every word she shared, my sole objective was to capture the essence of the discussion. Frantically scribbling, I was determined to etch every detail into my memory. Here are some pivotal takeaways:

1. EQ or emotional intelligence is just as crucial, if not more so, than IQ. It's not the hand you're dealt in life, but how you play your cards that defines you.
2. Start from scratch and work your way up with dedication, consistency, and perseverance. Reflect on the question, "Who do you want to be?" to discover your true purpose and embark on your journey.
3. Learn from patterns in your life and the lessons they teach you. Bounce back quickly from setbacks and embrace a learning mindset. Seek help when needed and utilize your resources wisely.
4. Prioritize people and relationships. Be a leader who relates to others and leads by example. Never burn bridges and master the art of effective collaboration.
5. Cultivate gratitude and lower your expectations of others, allowing yourself to be pleasantly surprised by their actions.
6. Foster positive self-talk and understand that who you are becoming is as important as your professional or academic achievements. Your own perception of yourself is critical to your growth.
7. Surround yourself with friends who inspire and uplift you. Choose your company wisely, as they shape your future. Remember the saying, "Show me your friends, and I will show you your future."
8. Cherish the words "Thank you" and express gratitude regularly.

Another vivid example etched in my memory is a day when relentless rain flooded the corridor outside the campus, rendering it impassable. In our collective frustration, we approached the faculty, only to be confronted with a question during our session with Pramath - how many of us attempted to solve the issue independently instead of immediately seeking help? This was a profound realization, urging each one of us to be self-reliant, essentially acting as the plumbers and carpenters of our own lives.

Being a member of the Careers Development Committee was more than just a role; it provided an opportunity to exceed expectations, offer support to my peers, learn from brilliant minds, and establish an environment where professional aspirations could flourish. To my fellow committee members, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the inspiration and collaboration that transformed ideas into tangible actions.

A special acknowledgement goes out to our dedicated Teaching Assistants, whose pivotal role significantly contributed to my journey at Vedica. Their guidance and encouragement served as lighthouses in the storm, consistently steering us in the right direction. The faculty at Vedica, comprised mainly of industry professionals, imparted knowledge not merely through the content of their lectures but also through the essence of their presence. Each faculty member brought a distinctive leadership style to the table, demonstrating that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. They not only shared their expertise but also embodied the principles they taught. A special acknowledgement goes to my favourite professors, Ankur Kulshrestha and Raghav Subramanian. In the very first class with Ankur, he had me at: "You all are like a pizza that’s in the oven right now. This lecture room is the oven. And I am the chef!" I said to myself, “Damn, the professor knows his audience!”

My friends Mahi and Mahak completely redefined the concept of finding family in your friends. Their unwavering support and ready shoulder to lean on kept me going, and I genuinely felt seen, heard, and cared for right from Day 1. I owe them a debt of gratitude; I wouldn't have made it through Delhi without them. From my friend Asmita, I learned that maturity knows no age limit. At 21, she demonstrated wisdom and insight comparable, if not superior, to that of a 25-year-old. It's not about age; it's the life experiences that shape who we are. Asmita, your wisdom surpasses your years, and I'm thankful for your unwavering friendship, support, and love. Thank you for always cheering me on and accepting me as I am. Imna, where do I even begin? I only wish I had met you sooner. You're like the cherry on top of the cake, the part everyone saves for last because it's the most delightful. Imna, thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing me. The last 1.5 - 2 months at Vedica were undoubtedly the highlight of my experience, solely because you were a part of it. There's something special about you - I've never connected with anyone on such a deep level in such a short time. Thank you for the invaluable lessons, the warm hugs, and the quality time together. You're simply the best! My buddy mentor, Varun Sharma, also played a significant role in my journey. Varun, thank you for the laughter and the meaningful conversations - they meant the world to me!

After participating in programs like Vedica, one often experiences an internal shift, prompting reflective thoughts about the possibilities ahead. One change I fervently wish to see for all women and girls in the country is the establishment of a society where they are unconditionally empowered to embrace their ambitions and aspirations. In this envisioned future, contributions are not weighed against preconceived notions but are valued for the unique brilliance they bring to the collective effort. It's a place where opportunities aren't doled out as tokens, but rather, they unfold organically, guided by the compass of merit. This transformation isn't just about breaking glass ceilings; it's about dismantling the very structures that perpetuate inequality. Imagine a professional sphere where the true essence of gender equality thrives, not as a forced concept but as an intrinsic part of the ethos. It's a landscape where the aspirations of women and girls are nurtured with the same fervor as their male counterparts, creating an atmosphere where dreams are not bound by societal constraints but are fueled by the limitless potential each individual possesses. And I am grateful to Anuradha, Pramath, and the entire team at Vedica for the mission with which they are taking Vedica forward. Furthermore, the one change I aspire to witness internally in women is for them to be more fearless and to own their stories. Women are born to have dreams of their own, not merely to facilitate someone else's aspirations. Therefore, harness the fire within your bellies and chase all your dreams fearlessly. In a world that often celebrates sacrificing for spouses and children, demonstrate that you can have everything - a thriving career as well as a fulfilling family life. It is okay to put yourself first. It is okay to say no. It is okay to follow an unconventional path. It is okay to stand out in a crowd - perhaps you are meant to lead that crowd.

And today, I am still the same Dhwani I was 18 months ago—brimming with dreams and grand ambitions. However, this version of Dhwani has grown more accustomed to uncertainty, recognizing that the only certainty in life is its unpredictability. I've come to understand that by relinquishing control, I paradoxically gain more control in the long run. The self-awareness cultivated throughout this program serves as the arrows in my quiver, empowering me to confront obstacles head-on and declare, "Try me!" I now feel more at ease in my own skin, aware of my strengths and contributions—a cornerstone of professionalism, in my honest opinion.

I am poised to embark on a new chapter in May this year, joining Aditya Birla Capital as a management trainee, a role that promises a myriad of possibilities and horizons. Yet, the missing pieces of the puzzle are the brilliant women I've encountered here. They say, "Show me your friends, and I will show you your future." So, to each and every one of you in my batch, I sincerely thank you for inspiring me in your own special ways. I cherish you all dearly. Here's to the class of 2023—let's continue to shine and persevere!