Sudhanshu Bhaskar has been into counselling undergrad students for US Ivy Universities. Content developer for India’s leading publication. Educator for K-12 students.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sudhanshubhaskar
Twitter: @sbhaskar1980
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. After IIFM, I joined IMRB International where I worked as a market research manager. Worked on projects with Intel, HP, IDE, JCB, DLF etc. Thereafter, to pursue my passion I came into the education sector. Since then, I run my small enterprise.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I will share a story from my IMRB days, where I worked under Mr. Mohan Krishnan. Under his tutelage I had an accelerated learning. The most important thing that he taught me was to understand the latent wishes of the client. We were working for a government organization (let us call it XYZ). In the first round of the project, the people at XYZ were very happy with our work. In the second round, the happiness turned into anger. They were not happy with the results and started questioning the methodology, quality of interviewer etc. We knew that nothing was wrong with the methodology, or the interviewer etc. They were happy with the similar results in the previous round. Life was becoming tedious. Project had become a burden. There were nasty phone calls, messages, and emails. Then Mr Mohan took charge of the project. He asked me to tell him what was bothering the client and I had no clue. Then he taught the entire team that there are unexpressed latent needs of clients. We need to open our minds, think deep and work consciously to find them. For example, in that particular case, people at XYZ wanted something more than just the stated objectives of the study. They could not ask for it directly and hence the frustration on their part. He asked the team to bring more insights from the same data so that we could give some actionable suggestions. Another thing that the individuals wanted was the increase in their stature and esteem at the organization, especially in front of their bosses, through that project. Mr Mohan was exceptionally smart in reading this unexpressed desire through micro-cues. He went and met the super bosses at XYZ and diplomatically relayed them about the importance of those individuals for the project and the organization. Everybody then became happy. A little bit of positive enforcement (which was actually true) and some actual workable insights fixed the situation. Later on, the idea of ‘latent wishes’ grew upon me and I could saw it happening everywhere. In professional as well as personal life, if we pay attention then we can also read the signs of these unexpressed desires of our clients, colleagues, employees, bosses, friends, and family. With a little effort, we can bring delight.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. I shall quote a dialogue from the movie Dil Se. The dialogue came from a ‘negative character’ in a completely different and very dark context but it has had a profound impact on me. The dialogue runs like this: It is not necessary that you are born in a good society, but it is absolutely important that you leave a better society when you die.
I am doing my small bit in creating a better society. Have been able to build relationships through my work. Some people are happy and successful because of me. This gives me immense satisfaction every day.
Q. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles?
A. The most important skill that is needed in education, counselling and consultancy sector is the ability to empathize with the client. One should be a good listener for that.
Q. What are your favourite memories during your IIFM days?
A. One day, in the very early morning of a Sunday, my friend Kaustubh (he is sadly no more in this world) came to our room and took DJ (Dhananjay, my room partner) and myself forcefully with him. Both DJ and I wanted to sleep and did not want to go anywhere. Sun was also sleeping as it was well before Sun rise time!! But we had to give in to the pestering of Kaustubh. He ordered us to come with him without asking questions. Three of us got onto the scooter of Pro (Praveen Chaudhary), and off we went [Don’t do this, it is against the rules]. Kaustubh had great direction sense. He drove us down the hill, took a road and then after driving for 3-4 km, he took an off-road cut. He drove into the jungle. On and on, deep into the forest and then reached a slightly open spot. He stopped the scooter somewhere there and killed the engine. We got down from the scooter. We were on the bank of a small tributary of Bhoj wetland. There was huge expanse of the lake, in the backdrop of hills. There was no human sound. Only the sound of flowing water and chirping of birds. It was surreal and breath-taking moment. Amazingly serene. Both DJ and I were awestruck. Did not speak for some time. Both of us were thinking that how come this guy knew of this place. We spent few hours there, watching the sunrise. That scene and the calmness of the moment is my favourite memory of IIFM.
Other than that, the evening walks after the meals at the mess was great experience.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni..Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. Dhananjay Rai, my room partner had the most profound impact on me during my stay at IIFM. I had a huge debilitating fear of heights and DJ fixed it in one day! I used to think that I lacked courage in myself. He gave me a very different perspective about courage. He organized a rappelling trip. He was founder of adventure club at IIFM. When he came in the room a night before the event, I told him that I would not go. I was terrified at the idea of being suspended from the rock fifty feet high in the sky. He looked into my eye and said, “trust me, you will be best amongst all tomorrow”. Both of us knew he was lying. I knew that he knew that he was lying. Yet I trusted him. I went along. On the top of the hill, I was buckled, taken to the spot on the edge of the rock, tied with a rope and asked to lean backwards. It was so hard for me, but the moment I went back, all my fears got eviscerated. As I came down, it was so exhilarating that I craved for more. Together we went for many similar stints. He later redefined courage for me: it is the ability to trust unknown despite all logic and past bad experiences. I was a different person then. With a lot more courage and self-confidence. I am thankful to him for that.
The classes that impacted me a lot were those of Marketing, Economics and Strategy. Prof Manmohan Yadav gave us so many assignments, case studies and group projects. He is a hard-working person. He made us work equally hard. At the end of the term, I realized how many presentations were made and so many answer sheets were filled by me. The lessons have stayed with me so far.
For strategy classes, IIFM had hired a professor from IIM Indore– Mr Garimalla R Chandrashekhar. In his class, my classmates used to hold discussions in such depth that I was amazed. He uncovered the potential of our class. One day, my friend Ashish Malik and his group were fielded against another close friend Krishna and his group on a topic of making some business plan for petroleum products. The kind of discussion that they had took my breath away. Both the groups had gone very deep into their topics. I am sure that the quality of discussion and the learnings obtained as a group would match any of the management colleges in the world. Both these guys could go into the business of petroleum any day. I learnt a very important lesson from that debate. When you are taking a decision, then you ought to think not only about first order effects but also the second and third order effects. A good decision is based on gaming and simulation.
Prof Madhu Verma was another great teacher. Once she brought a professor from National Judicial Academy as a guest lecturer. He had a deep and very different understanding of law. He explained how the law originated and consistency of it makes it law, else it is tyranny.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable titbits that you like to share?
A. My best buddy from IIFM is Dhananjay Rai (aka DJ). I was thin he was muscular. I feared heights he was rock climber. I was fair he was dark. I was passionate he was reasonable. He was good in accounts I was good in statistics. He would pick up fights, I was the pacifier. I was a reader/speaker and he was listener.
There were few commonalities also: both of us were lazy, we were good at forestry subjects and bad in psychology, we never skipped breakfast at IIFM (I think it is some sort of world record).
I also had a deep bonding with Sonali Wasan and Late Kaustubh Kurjekar. Spent so much of wonderful time with them. Enjoyed doing assignments, group studies and excursions with them. Can never forget that time.
I had very good friendship with Sudeep Rathee and Krishna Chandran. I said to Sudeep once that you were a formidable foe, so let us be friends. Could not afford him on the wrong side. Best quality of Krishna is that he is a great listener. You can talk about anything and he will hear it with utmost interest and attention. And it is very addictive. (After power the biggest intoxicant is to be listened to – Gregory David Roberts).
I did my OT on a topic of institutionalization. I worked hard and I thought that I gave a very good presentation. My evaluating professor did not like it. He blasted me for the bad and shoddy work that I had done. I felt dejected and demoralized. After the presentation was over and I was wrapping up my papers and laptop, all my classmates came and hugged me. Especially, Kumar Abhishek and Abhishek Kar congratulated me. They said that it was the best presentation that they ever heard. It cheered me up. Your classmates at IIFM are your family. They may occasionally fight with you but they will be there when you need them. A few days later, the same professor praised my work personally to me! Probably he had had a bad day.
Bigsna Gill taught me English. Shrikant taught me Indian politics. Rishi Prakash(in our time he was the President, SAC) asked me to give valedictory speech (which made me famous, otherwise I was nondescript entity at IIFM). Sanjay and Binay taught me palmistry. Kunal built my taste in music. Tariq, Debabrata (they are brilliant in skit making) made me participate in skit. Satya taught me computers. The list is endless…
Q. As an alumnus, what is your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. First, I congratulate everyone who has reached IIFM. It is a great achievement. These two years are most important years of your life. Work on yourself as much as you can. Be disciplined. Do not waste a single day of your life there. Walk in the lanes of IIFM, in the day, in the night, in the early hours. Read books. Build healthy lifestyle. Talk to your friends, seniors, juniors, professors, staff. Make bonds. Develop good habits.
‘This is most probably the last time when you can change your personality for good. Professional life is usually tiring and exhausting.’-Professor Bandyopadhyay, Director Sir of IIFM at that time had told us.
At IIFM, learn about different cultures, food, and festivals of India. IIFM is mini-India.
Q. How about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. On a Sunday, I follow a routine that I have been practicing since IIFM days. I sit at my table at 11 am and for next one hour, I evaluate my previous week and then I plan for my next week. I write my weekly tasks in my notebook. This helps me cut the clutter and focus my energies in right direction.
My family is everything for me. Lost my father three years ago. I still miss him. I live with my mother, wife, and son. They are source of joy and inspiration for me.
I used to read books earlier but now I am not able to find time for the same. Now, I hear podcasts. I have been learning new things through twitter and youtube.
My work is my hobby. I feel no difference between a Sunday and a Monday.
Q. Favourite Books, movies, authors?
A. My favourite author is Nassim Nicolas Taleb. He writes in very unconventional style. My thinking resonates with him.
I loved reading ‘Stumbling on Happiness-Daniel Gilbert.’
I strongly recommend a book ‘Managing Yourself-HBR’. This book has helped me immensely. The ideas of this book are research based. No general cliches.
I tried to read Gita but could not understand much. But I enjoyed reading Valmiki Ramayan and Tulsi Ramcharitmanas.
I watch old Hindi movies, few English movies and Punjabi comedy movies.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. IIFMites are welcome to approach me anytime for anything. I can help in drafting letters, preparing for presentations, career advice or any other thing in whichever way.
My office name is Vidvat Institute located in Safdarjung Enclave. We have been running this office for past thirteen years. We train the teachers, students and counselors there. We provide holistic support for foreign admissions so feel free to connect with me for any discussion.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. I can describe the difference in one word: visibility.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. You can interview Krishna Chandra, Sudeep Rathee or Ashish Malik. These guys are rare combination of hard work + intelligence. They all are sharp, witty, successful, and diligent. We all can learn a lot from them.
PS: My heartfelt thanks go to Rishi Prakash. He has infinite patience in dealing with me. He has been instrumental in helping me expressing myself (whether through valedictory speech or through this newsletter). Cannot thank him enough. I seek apology publicly from him for troubling him.