Shaping the Future

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

A tiffin that sparked an idea

—Shubhangi Chavan,
MBA-Data Science and Business Analytics, Balaji Institute of Technology & Management (BITM)

—Naitik Asudani,
MBA-Data Science and Business Analytics, Balaji Institute of Management and Human Resource Development (BIMHRD)

It all began in a classroom with something very simple—it was my home-packed tiffin. Every day, I carried a tiffin of home-cooked food, and my friend who had come from another state, eagerly waited to grab a bite from that comforting homemade meal. One afternoon, while eating together, we realised that there are so many students like us who longed for the taste of home cooked food. That sparked an idea—why not create a systematic process to deliver home cooked and hygienic meals to students and professionals, while also empowering local homemakers.

As we reflected more on the idea, the thought grew deeper. Students who move to new cities and professionals working at odd hours, often crave for homemade and healthy food. Fast food chains and mess options may satiate the stomach, but rarely provide the taste and nourishment. However, many talented homemakers have incredible cooking skills, but lack a platform to showcase them. We envisioned a bridge between the two—delivering healthy meals with a “home away from home” experience and simultaneously creating livelihood opportunities for homemakers.

This idea found wings at SRUJAN, an entrepreneurship development club at Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP). We started Dabba Delight, incorporating WhatsApp ordering and College gate delivery. Platforms such as Ideathon and Blitz, held by SRUJAN gave us the opportunity to present our vision, receive constructive feedback, and sharpen our strategy. The constant guidance of our professors gave us the confidence to move forward. Moreover, mentorship from T-Hub, an innovation centre, provided us with practical insights into building a scalable business model.

What began as an idea has now evolved into an entrepreneurial journey of innovation and purpose. It has taught us that great ideas often emerge from the most ordinary experiences, and with the right guidance, they can grow into impactful ventures. SRUJAN did not just encourage us; it transformed a casual thought into a real-world opportunity that continues to inspire us.

An artistic transformation

— Rhea Digraskar,
BA Liberal Arts, SBUP’s School of Liberal Arts

My experience at SBUP has been nothing short of transformation. Among the many memorable moments, our adventure trip under the YMCA outbound programme was one of my first glimpses into the university's focus on bonding, fitness and discipline—it was intense, but incredibly energising. Another highlight was our peaceful and rejuvenating visit to the Shri Ram Chandra Mission Heartfulness Meditation Centre, where we learned to slow down breathe and reflect. It was a rare but welcome pause in our otherwise fast-paced academic life. Celebrating festivals on campus added vibrant colour to my journey—we danced, sang, and bonded over shared traditions, making every moment feel like home.

Dance for me, has always been an expression of joy, and I had the chance to perform during fresher’s party, Independence Day and Republic Day, each stage bringing its own excitement and adrenaline rush. But, the most unforgettable experience was Josh2K25, where I not only danced my heart out, but also dived into filmmaking. The energy, creativity and team spirit, during the event were surreal. SBUP has nurtured me in more ways than one — academically, emotionally, and most importantly artistically.

An introvert’s leap to sociability

— Manohar Kumar,
MBA-Marketing, BITM

Stepping into the world of an MBA was not just about academic learning for me—it became a turning point in my personal transformation. Until then, I had always been an introvert, comfortable in my own space, preferring to observe rather than to participate. But, the environment at SBUP challenged me to step out of those quiet corners and discover a new version of myself.

The MBA programme was more than lectures and case studies—it was a platform filled with opportunities to lead, collaborate and connect. My initial hesitation to speak up in class discussions slowly gave way to confidence, as I realised that every perspective matters. With each group project and presentation, I found my voice getting stronger.

What truly accelerated this journey was my active involvement in campus activities. I got the chance to lead various events, and soon, I was entrusted with greater responsibilities. Being elected as the academic president of the BITM student council, was a defining milestone. It was not just a title, but a role that demanded leadership, communication, and the ability to bring people together.

One of my proudest moments came when I served as the event coordinator for the HR meet, a flagship gathering that brought together distinguished HR leaders and students. From planning to execution, it was a test of organisational skills, teamwork and adaptability. Standing on that stage, welcoming guests and coordinating seamlessly with my peers, I realised how far I had come from the quiet observer I once was.

This journey from being introvert to extrovert has taught me a vital corporate lesson: true growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone. Today, I see myself not just as a student, but as a leader in the making, ready to contribute with confidence, clarity and conviction.

Reliability: The key to connections

— Lokendra Singh Rajput,
MCA, SBUP’s School of Computer Studies

Have you ever come across a person, a movie scene, or even a random ad, and felt an instant pull just because it reminded you of your own life? That small spark, the feeling of “Hey, that’s me too!”, is what I’ve come to call relatability.

Some years back, I noticed something funny about myself. I wasn’t always impressed by the smartest arguments, the fanciest brands, or even the most successful leaders. Instead, I found myself drawn towards people, stories, and ideas that felt relatable. That sense of familiarity became this invisible force that shaped what I paid attention to, who I trusted, and even the choices I made.

It showed up everywhere. Once, a professor explained a really tough theory using cricket as an example. I understood it and never forgot it. Another time, I was watching a movie where the character was struggling with the same kind of family pressure I had gone through, and the story touched me much harder. That’s when I realised something simple but powerful:

• Relatability makes learning easier.
• Relatability makes stories unforgettable.
• Relatability makes leaders believable.

Think about it. Why does a film like '3 Idiots' still connect with us, even years later? It wasn’t just about engineering college, it was about our struggles, our dreams, and the choices we all wrestle with. The same goes for advertisements we never forget. The best ones don’t just sell something; they speak in our language, in our lives.

And, it’s not just about classrooms or cinema halls. Relatability shows up in our friendships - the politicians we vote for, the brands we like, and even in tiny everyday choices we make; it’s everywhere. The biggest shift in my life came when I started actually started living by this logic.

I began choosing books, movies, mentors, even friends, based not on hype or popularity, but on whether I could genuinely connect with them. Learning felt lighter and life felt more meaningful. Now, I see relatability not just an expectation, but a quiet miracle. It’s present in the jokes we laugh at, the leaders we admire, the people we trust, and the bonds we build. And, here’s the real twist, relatability isn’t just about others, it’s about us. It’s about discovering little reflections of ourselves in the world, over and over again. Because in the end, the strongest connections are not built on perfection, but on reflection.