Xpressions 2013

                                                                                                 Xpressions

One of the biggest B School fests in Eastern India, Xpressions is like a carnival that radiates energy - with people roaming around the bustling streets, activities going on in each and every corner of XIMB, the whole atmosphere vibrating with an incessant array of songs- it’s a delight to witness the MBA grads prove that their capabilities aren't just restricted to academia.

Day 1

The event was kicked off with the proverbial war that has been a part of XIMB’s legacy since years. With all the participants waiting with baited breath for the challenges that’d ensue, the Game Committees unveiled the simulated games that they’d been ceaselessly working on for the past 4 months. Kurukshetra, Helios, Skill City, Gladiator and Spardha- these Game Committees have their own individual style of working and the games they’d erected for Xpressions depicted the zeal, passion and intellect that had been involved in doing so.

                                                                                                  Helios

                                                                                                Kurukshetra

                                                                                                    Skill City

                                                                                                 Spardha

It was followed by the preliminary rounds of a series of events like Goonj and Alaap, which ensured the bringing forth of a crowd of students who were oozing with talent. With singing prowess that could put even Professional Big Shots to shame, the event was studded with performers who sang with an unleashed gusto. Snapshot, a flagship event of Xpressions is a photography contest that received thousands of entries from various facets of the B School community.

                                                                                        Abhishek Singh, KIIT

                                                                                                   Dhruba Das, XIMB

                                                                                                   Ameith Sharma

                                                                                        Sagar Saha- VIT, Vellore

Xpressions also witnessed the partnership between 92.7 Big FM and XIMB. The Radio Jockeys of Big FM dropped at the campus to hold a competition to handpick the students who had the creative streak and the charm to attract the audience.  The winners were subsequently given the opportunity to perform on air and showcase their talent amidst a group of professionals.

                                                                                    Team from 92.7, Big FM

                                                                                                      A potential RJ

The day was wrapped up by the scintillating Carnival De Vogue. An event that encapsulated creativity, fashion and a zing of oomph- it was a visual treat in itself. The ramp was set on fire by participants who were clad in outfits that spoke volumes about the innovativeness that had been embedded into the Fashion Show.

                                                                                                   Women (Em)power

                                                                                                  Bluebloods 

                                                                                       Pea(cock) and the Princess    

                                                                                                   Cave Days

                                                                                                      The Warriors

                                                                                                    In Vogue

                                                                                    Unfurling a darkened gospel

Day 2

By the second day, the full fervour of Xpressions had hit the students and almost all the participants from various B Schools across the country had poured into the campus. With representatives from IIMs, FMS, XLRI, NMIMS, etc and a huge array of Undergrad students from IITs and NITs, the entire campus was bustling with activity.

XIMAHR, the official ‘Human resources’ club of HR organized ‘Case in Point’ in which different teams had to ponder upon a given scenario, akin to what they are likely to face when they step into the corporate arena. On the D-Day, the shortlisted teams had to come forward and present their individual take on the case that was provided to them.

                                                                           XIMAHR- the HR association of XIMB    

                                                                

                                                                     Preventing Sexual Discrimination- their take

                                                                                                    Case in Point

Canned Film Festival- a movie spoofing event was also held, with the participants coming up with innovative ideas to present a hilarious twist to their favourite Movies or TV shows, and the audience rolling on the floor laughing.

Day 3

The third day of Xpressions witnessed events like ‘Thirkan’ and ‘Yugul Nritya’, which were coloured with unparalleled performances by students from various B Schools across the country. Each performance brought out different colours of human emotions- pathos, misery, joy, ecstasy, that was being depicted on the stage with an undiluted ease by the fluid movements of the participants- leaving the audience spellbound.  

                                                                                           Where heart thou?

                                                                                     The Witch's revenge

Spardha, a committee that reflects the zest and passion of the Rural Management students of XIMB, also wrapped up its flagship event successfully. The panel was presented with innovative ideas to deal with the issues that are marring the growth of the rural areas, by students who spoke with an unbridled passion about the same.

                  Spardha

                                             

The highlight of the day was, of course, Celeblitz. Arijit Singh, the current heartthrob of the singing community, left the audience spellbound with his rendition of a wide array of songs- from foot tapping numbers to heart wrenching melodies.  The Euphoria was such that thousands of people flocked into the campus to witness the star performance.

                                                                                                  Arijit Singh

 

                                                                               A performance that enthralled thousands

                                                                                              Kyun Ki Tum hi ho

The evening ended with yet another JLT- a ‘Just Like That’ party that gives the students an opportunity to let their hair down. And enjoy the moment.

                                                                                               Crowding Out

      And we enjoyed each and every one of those 259200 moments.

                                                        

Festival of Lights, Diwali

A brief history

A day of celebrations, joy and togetherness. A day on which we celebrated one of the biggest festival among the gamut of Indian festivities. This festival is fondly called Diwali.  Diwali, the ‘festival of lights’ is now the widely accepted name for the original name ‘Deepavali’ meaning the “row of lamps”. The event has a special significance for in Hindu Religion because it is considered as the day on which Hindu god, Lord Rama returned home after 14 years in exile. In Jainism, it is the day when Lord Mahavira attained Moksha (Nirvana) and in Sikhism, this day connotes the release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind from prison along with 52 other princes. Religions and regions apart, this day is celebrated by the entire country as one, something which is so peculiar to any Indian festival. The puja of goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of money), lighting lamps of oil, candles, exchange of sweets, making rangolis (art with colors) and bursting of crackers are some of the attractions of Diwali.

The Hostel corridors

Oil Lamps




 

 

 

 

 

 Diwali @ XIMB                                   

XIMB has always been the frontrunner in celebrating all the popular festivals which can be attributed to religion or regional context. On the Diwali eve, the entire XIMB campus was brimming with energy and lights. The artificial lights hanging on the walls of hostel buildings, lamps of oil across all the paths in the campus and the designer candles flickering across the hallways accentuated the fervor. All the students got together for the Lakshmi Puja after which everyone wished each other, exchanged sweets and burst crackers.

Desi Touch

Students Lighting Sparklers

A unique blend that XIMBians add to the celebration of Diwali is the ‘Dandiya night’. Dandiya a popular dance majorly attributed to vibrant Gujaratis (people from the state of Gujarat). The dance continued for well over two hours as the students tapped their feet and sticks to the tunes of traditional Dandiya music.

Dandiya Fever

Top View



As everyone retired back to their rooms after the dance, the happiness was evident on their faces even very late into the night. Most of the students were away from home on this grand day, but all of us at XIMB made sure that we are there for each other making the discomfort of being away from parents and relatives a distant thought. With a loud cheer to the spirit of camaraderie between XIMBians, we wish you all a very Happy Diwali.


Team IRC

Candle March – An SRC Event

The Social Responsibility Cell of XIMB, since its inception, has been incessantly working on projects spanning around various issues and trying to make a difference. Be it a visit to the local school for the differently abled children, doing projects that revolve around sensitization of students, mobilizing resources to be diverted towards the less privileged and most importantly, spreading smiles!

                                                                              SRC's Official Logo

At the eve of Independence Day, a Candle March was held to kick off the celebrations that were to be held the next day. As the crowd gathered around, with tricolour tattoos firmly stuck on their cheeks, the air was bursting with a rustic patriotic sentiment that was shared by every individual who was standing there. Suddenly, it didn’t matter that most us come from different parts of the country, divided by almost everything that defines us- our culture, linguistic inclinations, the societal norms and much more. As the Mess Bhainas came forward and talked about what it means to be an Indian, every difference melted away into oblivion. Suddenly, we were not Bengalis, Punjabis or Gujjus; we were Indians.

                                                                Enlightened souls of a Billion Patriots

Group songs were organized by both the members of the Shadow Committee of SRC and Mess Bhainas. With each song oozing with a sentiment that had overwhelmed everyone in the entire vicinity, the crowd cheered for the Mess Bhainas as they sang with unrestricted gusto.
And suddenly, out of the blue, a flash mob appeared and started grooving to a medley of songs- from dancing sans any inhibitions to A.R Rehman’s ‘Jai Ho’ to recreating the magic of’ Rang De Basanti’s boundless energy.
The evening ended on a sombre note as people walked the ‘X walk’, only this time it wasn’t about frivolous chats and lazy strolls; people walked with a sense of purpose, with their expressions brimming with an unbridled pride.

                                 
                                                             The Candle March

We’re Bengalis, Marathis, Gujratis, Punjabis, Tamilians.
We’re XIMB-ians.
We’re self obsessed.
We’re selfish.

We’re busy leading fast track lives that don’t leave us with the time to think twice about anything or anyone but ourselves.

But for that one hour, that one event, that one defining second- we were Indians; as we always were. As we always would be.

Team IRC

Game committee launches at XIMB

A scintillating launch of Xpressions 2013 in the auditorium was followed by a sensational display by the game committees of XIMB in front of GR-1. The show left a huge crowd of first year students spellbound. It was fantastic to see Hugo, one of the international exchange students, actively involved in one of the acts. The proceedings were started off by a ravishing performance by the Gladiators.

Team Gladiators

The men were in suits and the ladies in their evening gowns pulled off a superb fashion show, an event which was one of the best performances of the evening. At first, half of the Gladiator couples walked out of the hostel, holding glasses in their hands followed by the other half arriving in long sleek sedans. In the end the co-ordinators Anish Juwarkar and Rubinder Randhawa arrived in a beautiful white Mercedes and took their place amongst their fellow Gladys.

Skill City: Creatively Spoilt

Next, was the launch of SkillCity. The dhol was the unique feature of their performance . It was full of songs, dancing, fun and frolic. They also had a fire breathing  ‘dragon’.  A typical ‘Indian’ performance full of masti. What made it more special is the face that Hugo actively participated and danced to the tunes of music.

 

Sun God lighting the Helios symbol 

A ‘firey’ launch by Helios was next in store for the crowd. All the members in their black t-shirts stood holding torches aloft while the co-ordinator Parantap Sharma, dressed as the sun god set the Helios symbol on fire at the centre of the arena. It was a magnificent sight to behold.

 

 

 

Kurukshetra on Fire

Finally, it was the launch of the grand old game committee of XIMB, Kurukshetra, led by Rahul Nayak. It was fantastic show with fireworks everywhere and the members shouting the Kurukshetra slogans at the top of their voices as they walked around the flaming ‘K’ at the center. The fire lit ‘Kurukshetra’ illuminated the whole arena.

 

 

Spardha: A fusion performance

 

Last but not the least, was the launch performance by Spardha. A very well rehearsed display. This launch was the longest of the 5 and the best. What was unique about this performance was that it included the first years as well ! It had everything from firelit symbols to songs, dance, fireworks and even a mother earth !

 

 

 

All these launches made sure that it was a wonderful evening. The energy and enthusiasm of various committees was contagious. There will be many such events in future, but this one will surely be remember for a long time.

 

Team IRC

Sambandh 2013

‘Sambandh’, a word that can be loosely translated to ‘Relationship’, evokes a surge of mixed emotions when mentioned in the vicinity of X-Square, not unlike its ordinary counterpart. An event that is organized by the first year students so that they can get a chance to express their heartfelt gratitude towards the Second year students, ‘Sambandh’ has been an incessant part of XIMB’s culture for years.

We at XIMB thrive on traditions that are passed on from one batch to the other. Let it be random parties to blow off some steam, birthday bashes that begin at Midnight and go on till wee hours, study sessions that last for hours (and X-Walks that last even longer!), it has been the prerogative of the Second Year students to ensure that XIMB retains the essence of its being.

Fusion Dance

There is more to XIMB than being an A-League Business School that has a diverse academic curriculum that it is renowned for. People in the campus don’t just walk around with their noses firmly stuck in the books. We party, we take chances, we win competitions, we play sports, we workout, we banter with our friends, we organize events, we rediscover ourselves and much more.  

When the First Year students step into the XIMB campus, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with a plethora of information that one is supposed to imbibe and implement in a matter of days. The Second Year students ensure that the process ensues in a seamless manner.

As an extension to ‘Parichay’, ‘Sambandh’ was held on 12 July 2013. Amidst the scintillating performances, blaring music, people grooving to anything and everything- it was an evening to remember. The entire event was organized from the scratch by the collective effort of the First Year students- with an array of activities extending from inviting the seniors, arrangement of celebratory dinner, lighting, decoration et al.

Anarkali Disco Chali 

The highlight of the evening were the cult dances which ensured stitches in the stomach of everyone who witnessed its hilarity,  Bollywood dance to the heart wrenching notes of ‘Teri Deewani’, the exotic Sufi Fusion of tabla and guitar, crooning of the husky notes of Celine Dion’s songs and fusion dances that brought the audience alive with vigour. Even more, it was overwhelming to see the entire batch of 2013-15 coming together to put forth a tribute for the senior batch. The second year students cheered on their torch bearers as the stage was brought to life with the unparalleled talent of the First Years’.

Cult Dance

XIMB is not just another Business School. We understand that our holistic development is much more than a series of books and a perfect CQPA to boot.

So we party, we take chances, we win competitions, we play sports, we workout, we banter with our friends, we organize events, we rediscover ourselves.

Fusion Dance Troupe

And much, much more. 



Team IRC

Parichay 2013

Parichay – the word itself has a lot of possibilities. Possibilities of togetherness, heartfelt camaraderie and that of a friendship that is going to stand the test of time. So, the fact that the final welcoming ritual of the senior batch to welcome the rookies into their ranks, is filled with much anticipation and enthusiasm. And this year the event was bigger and better than ever before.

Father P. D. Thomas, Dean Administration, addressed the meet with his words of wisdom. The crowd became ecstatic when one of our most beloved professor, Dr. Biresh Kumar Sahoo also joined the proceedings.

                                                                        danser par les étudiants français

                                                      

'Parichay 2013' started off with a heartfelt rendition of ‘Tum Hi Ho’ by Parantap Sharma. The performance set the tone for a memorable night ahead.  The night was dazzled with stunning performances by seniors from BM, HRM and RM streams. Ganpathy on the Guitar, Supratik with his rendition of ‘You’re Beautiful’ and our very own Kailash Kher, Rahul Rai set the stage on fire with their vocals. Goutam Khadanga performed a rap and other dance performances ensured that there was never a dull moment.

Lungi Dance

However, the 'Pièce de résistance', the performance by the International students, who are here as a part of student exchange program, left the audience spellbound. The dance was led by the gorgeous Laura Gray, from Euromed, and the complete performance was truly ‘World Class'. 

International Exchange Students Performing

The evening came to an end with a popular punjabi folk dance 'Bhangra' and a wonderful mash up dance by HRM folks including team IRC’s very own Pushkar Choudhary.

The Fusion Dance

The audience comprising of the junior batch started off as a docile bunch clapping at rehearsed intervals. However, by the end of the event, most of them were jiving in frenzy on the tune of ‘Gangam Style’. 

The host asked the entire batch of 2014 to come on stage and welcome their juniors once again. A sumptuous dinner awaited all of us once we returned. It was an evening to remember, a spirited performance and a perfect welcome. 

Team IRC

The Ultimate Indian Experience

                  

                                                      

When I first enrolled in the 3Continent Master of Global Management program (3CMGM), like many of my peers, I was eager to explore the world abroad, expand my knowledge of divergent business practices, and gain a refined outlook on cultural diversity from a firsthand perspective.

Since starting this program in September, my 3CMGM batch, comprised of twenty-six students from various countries and cultures, has already begun to feel like a family. During the first four months of our studies in Belgium, my peers and I developed a strong sense of unity, which allowed us to demonstrate collective enthusiasm towards tackling our common learning objectives. By the end of our first semester in Europe, it was evident that my 3CMGM group was ready to proceed with the next chapter of our transcontinental academic journey and build a nest at XIMB. 

                                                                                   

When first arriving in Bhubaneswar, I could not help but notice the rich Indian culture surrounding me, which was unlike anything I had ever experienced while growing up in America or studying in Belgium. As a western student traveling to Asia for the first time, I cleared my mind of all expectations and allowed each of my five senses to capture my first impressions of India. My eyes were wide as I observed an abundance of India’s visual trademarks: red bindis, vibrant sarees, bright colors, and cows leisurely lazing in the streets. I breathed in the thick, humid, smoky air, as I listened to the sound of car horns honking and dogs barking. I tasted the spiciness of the food and the freshness of the fruit juice, as I felt the warmth of the blazing Indian sun beating down on my face. My senses were completely consumed by Incredible India.

                                                                             

Since settling in at XIMB, I have appreciated the kindness and generosity of the Indian staff and students, who have done everything in their power to make my classmates and I feel at home. Although we have only been here for a couple of weeks, the 3CMGMers have already encountered unique and unforgettable experiences at XIMB. For instance, the Lohri festival, joyous and uplifting in nature, is something that I will never forget. I took pleasure in celebrating the start of the winter crops harvest by throwing grains into the roaring bonfire and enjoying endless music, laughter and dancing with my peers.

                                                                                        

   

Furthermore, embarking on off-campus excursions in India has also provided my classmates and I with lasting memories. One example is our recent trip to Chilika Lake, which granted us the chance to experience some incredibly picturesque sights during a sunset boat voyage on the lake. From the glassy waters below, we watched as the golden Indian sun dropped against the canvas of pink and orange sky. Moments like these allow my peers and I to observe the beautiful offerings of India and be further grateful for the opportunity to live and study here.

                                                         

Being immersed in the culture and settings of India has forced most of my classmates and me outside of our comfort zones. By keeping an open mind, I know that we will continue to embrace the new experiences that lie ahead of us and grow as individuals. From an academic perspective, we will also be able to strengthen our notion of globalization and learn how management duties are fulfilled within the Indian context. Overall, we are very thankful to the program directors, along with the XIMB faculty, staff and students who have made this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both possible and pleasant for us.

            

By: Heather Thomas

(3CMGM student from New York, USA) on behalf of the entire batch.