Challenge, Change, Conquer
" An informal collage of campus stories, where learners have taken extraordinary initiatives and left lasting impressions. From big celebrations to gatherings, student-led initiatives, transformational leadership—their dedication and passion truly stands out"
From Tasks to Transformation
As I approach the final days of my MBA journey, one moment that stands out is when we received news, that the Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Rajendra Arlekar, would be visiting our campus. I felt genuinely proud and wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. I decided to create a hand-drawn sketch of the Hon’ble Governor, as a tribute to his work and legacy. Presenting it to him on stage was a moment I’ll never forget. He is known for making the Goa Legislative Assembly the first in India to go paperless, which is a first of-its-kind initiative in the country. His journey truly inspires me. His words during the event truly resonated with everyone in the room.
Listening to him reminded me how far I’ve come, not just academically, but personally.
When I first started working, I often felt like I was just getting tasks done without understanding the “why” behind them. I kept asking myself, “How did that even work?”
Talking to friends who were studying Operations and Supply Chain, helped me realise the kind of knowledge I was missing, and where I wanted to improve. That’s when I decided to pursue an MBA. I knew I wanted to study in Pune. And once I got here, the experience was more than I expected.
I got involved wherever I could. I volunteered at convocation ceremonies, travelled to Delhi for India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, and took up the role of Corporate Project Studies (CPS) and Corporate Relations Team (CRT) Coordinator, for the 2023–25 batch, at Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP). That role helped me connect the dots between campus and the corporate world. I also found time to contribute to causes I care about, like donating blood twice during SBUP’s donation drives.
After spending time in the industry, coming back to academics gave me the space to rebuild my skills and reconnect with what I enjoy doing. I helped organise cultural fests by managing props, participated in 20 marathons, and showed up every day, earning the 100% Attendance Award. I’ve tried to give my best to everything I took on.
Now, as I move forward, I carry with me not just knowledge, but experiences, growth, and a clear sense of direction.
- M. Kamal Kant, MBA, Balaji Institute of Technology & Management (BITM), SBUP
Bridging Experience and Knowledge
Coming with work experience from the hospitality background, I’ve always been close to the frontlines of customer service. While I enjoyed that space, I found myself increasingly drawn to the “why” behind customer choices, brand loyalty and business growth strategies. This curiosity led me to pursue an MBA in Marketing.
Now, in my first year itself, the MBA programme has been a transformative experience so far. I’m learning that marketing goes beyond advertising. It's about understanding people, solving problems and creating value. From case studies to live projects, I’ve started applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Courses like Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Strategy, have opened my eyes to how brands build relationships and sustain themselves in competitive markets.
I’m focused on building a strong foundation, grasping core concepts, sharpening communication skills, and exploring different domains like digital marketing, branding and analytics. My goal is to bridge my operational experience in hospitality with strategic marketing knowledge, to prepare for the corporate world.
This journey is still unfolding, but I’m excited for what lies ahead. I’m eager to intern, learn from mentors, and eventually, contribute to a company where I can grow, innovate and bring value.
- Ritika Singh, MBA (BITM), SBUP
From First Punch to Final Bell
As I complete my MBA, I look back on a journey that changed me, not just academically but personally. When I first began the course, boxing wasn’t even on my radar. But, destiny had other plans. It was here that I discovered my passion for this sport, a pursuit that taught me to fight not just opponents, but my own limitations.
My boxing coach, M.B. Rana, became the guiding light of this journey. His tireless dedication, patience and attention to detail, turned me from a beginner into a champion. From early morning to evening sessions, he was there, correcting every mistake and motivating me through every setback. Alongside him, assistant coach Shubham Ingale, added a personal touch to my training, offering encouragement and friendship that helped me grow not just as a boxer, but as a stronger person.
With their mentorship, I had the honour of representing SBUP at the All India Inter-University (AIU) Boxing Championship, going head-to-head with some of the best boxers in the country. Winning the Gold Medal at the 7th State-Level Inter-Collegiate Vishwanath Sports Meet was a dream come true, a moment that belonged not just to me, but to everyone who stood by me throughout this incredible journey.
However, no victory is ever achieved alone. I owe so much to my elder brother, who has always been my biggest pillar of support. I’m also deeply thankful to my friends, who gifted me my first boxing shoes when I needed them the most, motivated me through tough training days, and kept me disciplined with my diet and routine. Their belief in me during my lowest moments kept my spirit alive and fighting.
Balancing academics with competitive boxing was never easy, but the structure and support I received made it possible. Thanks to these experiences, I’m proud to share that I’ve secured a placement at Deloitte, stepping into the corporate world with the same fighting spirit that was nurtured in me.
As I move forward into a new chapter of life, I carry with me every early morning session, every late-night assignment, every punch thrown, and every dream chased. To those, just beginning their journeys—trust your mentors, stay consistent, embrace the struggles, and never lose faith. Sometimes, the battles you fight within yourself lead to the greatest victories.
- Pranay Nimbarte, MBA (BITM), SBUP
Discovering My Startup Path
I never imagined stepping into the world of startups when I first began my undergraduate journey. Business was an unfamiliar territory, and my only plan was to complete my BCA. Being 19 years old, I believed this was not my forte, but everything changed when I participated in a startup competition by Srujan-Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation Centre (EDIC), SBUP. It was my first exposure to entrepreneurship.
That experience sparked a curiosity in me, leading me to join the Student Entrepreneurship Training (SET) programme by T-Hub, a global innovation hub and startup ecosystem enabler, where I attended insightful guest lectures on business, innovation and leadership. Working closely with Srujan mentors made me realise my interests and capabilities.
The real turning point came on 23 February, 2025, when my team was selected to visit T-Hub, Hyderabad. Each day was transformative. Learning Design Thinking from Sir Habeeb N. helped refine my problem-solving approach, and understanding the Business Model Canvas with Sir David Samuel and Sir Dinesh Sarvodey, structured my vision. Madam Archana Purohit Agrawal's session on storytelling taught me how to pitch with impact.
Finally, on Pitch Day at Ideathon, I stood before esteemed investors, presenting my startup. It was a surreal moment when our team, CelestialPixel, was selected from among 31 teams for T-Hub’s BlitZ programme. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the firm support of my professors, that shaped my path. What started as curiosity has now turned into a passion. This journey has been transformational, and the best is yet to come.