A well-known face in Pune’s football scene, Pratik Anjikhane talks about his passion for the game, how he connected the dots between football and the corporate world, his dreams and much more
A midfielder is someone who keeps the balance in the team. Midfielders act like a bridge between the defence and the striker. In short, they play quite a pivotal role in a match. A charismatic midfielder, Pratik owes his love for the game to his school, JN Petit Technical High School. Further, moving on to the corporate world, he draws most of his inspiration and stability from football. “Football means the world to me,” he smiles.
Born to Nitin and Archana Anjikhane, Pratik exemplifies his parents’ upbringing – courteous, patient and determined. Living in a joint family has made him ready to face the world, he says. “A joint family teaches you values that no one can even think of. The important aspect of living in a joint family is you learn to be a team player. When you are working in the real world, you ought to be a part of the team and move along with it. The joint family teaches you a lot.” He cannot help but correlate his passion for football and working in the corporate world, where you need to work in harmony with your teammates, whether to win a match or bag a project.
Pratik did his schooling from JN Petit Technical High School and went to study Commerce at Sardar Dastur College. He was an average student at school and college. But he certainly excelled in extra-curricular activities. Doing BBA at MIT, Pune, was an eye opener for him in many ways. It shaped him to be a better human, something that is the key to lead a peaceful life. Pratik pursued his PG in Marketing from a renowned management college.
Pratik Anjikhane being felicitated by Dr. (Col.) A. Balasubramanian, Founder President, Sri Balaji SocietyHis college was practically a platform that made him corporate ready. Although he was an average student, Pratik was good in communication, which plays a crucial role in character development. He was soft-spoken, well read, someone who was sure of what he was doing. His deep understanding of certain elements shaped him to be a better learner.
Life at MIT College speaks volumes of his team player attitude. His campus being at Alandi, Pune, the college was filled with vernacular students. Often youngsters who have studied in convent schools fail to relate to such a crowd. But not Pratik. Since day one, his classmates were spellbound by his communication skills. Giving creative presentations in front of a large crowd was his forte. They were always eager to learn his style of talking, his stance and his stability during a presentation.
Pratik being a team player was excited to impart whatever he had learnt in his life. The outcome was phenomenal. His friends quickly adopted his style which helped them move forward in life.
So, what was so unique about his presentation, we asked. He says, “It’s something that I like doing. I like communicating with people. And delivering a good presentation is just one way. The main thing here is, I spend hours and hours on research before I put up any presentation. If that is sorted, the rest becomes a cake walk. Of course, stage presence and confidence play an important role too. But what also matters is that you should enjoy what you are doing!”
The positive comments he receives after the show is his ultimate reward, he says. Courtesy his communication skills, he is increasingly a people’s person – jovial and outgoing.
“As a customer relationship manager, our communication needs to be strong, just like how flawlessly a midfielder passes the ball to the striker which he then nets. Both the roles need presence of mind as the team’s fate rests on him”
Pratik and his close friends on route a memorable tripWorking in the corporate world was not new for him. In 2015, after completing his BBA, Pratik joined Concentrix, Pune, as a Practitioner. That’s where he learnt the secret of keeping customers happy. “You ought to go that extra mile to build a great relationship with a customer that lasts for eternity. Customer satisfaction is the key,” he says.
After working with Concentrix for a year, he moved to Tech Mahindra as Customer Relations Advisor. His time there proved how humble he was. And his presence of mind earned him laurels. Working in the night shift, Pratik was almost heading home one day when the clock struck 3:55 am, and a customer called for some help. Being in the customer relations advisor team, he dealt with sim cards, technical issues and communications. It was a frantic call where a mother was stuck outside her house while her toddler was locked inside the house. Having not paid the bill on time, her calling facilities were barred, which is why she contacted the Tech Mahindra technical team by using Wi-Fi.
Pratik stabilized himself after listening to the frantic call. His presence of mind was impeccable. Firstly, he tried to calm down the customer by talking to her. Later, he simply informed his manager and unblocked the customer’s sim. This helped her to get aid and save her child. Pratik was a hero!
Later, the strings of mail from the head offices in UK, India, Maharashtra and Pune congratulated him for his vigilance. This event will always be etched in his heart forever.
Pratik is currently placed with Kantar GDC, Pune, where he is the Project Manager Analyst. His profile basically consists of looking after streamlining projects.
Pratik with his family during a functionStudying at the JN Petit School heavily influenced him to take up football. The school’s rich heritage had won several hearts and shaped the minds and careers of plenty of young footballers. “Reading JN Petit’s name in every leading newspaper for performing brilliantly in all the football matches prodded me to take up this sport. Every week I would see our school winning a trophy at various football tournaments. I wanted to be a part of the football team and shine for my school too,” says the midfielder.
Pratik has represented his school and colleges at every football competition. He has even played at the district level.
Being a midfielder he realized that he’s the string that holds the team together. He is the medium through which the other teammates communicate. Hence, his game had to be strong. A midfielder is someone who has his eye on the back of his head too.
The striking resemblance between the realm of football and the working in the corporate world astonished him. “As a customer relationship manager, our communication needs to be strong, just like how flawlessly a midfielder passes the ball to the striker which he then nets. Both the roles need the presence of mind as the team’s fate rests on him,” says Pratik.
He adores Indian footballer Sunil Chettri and Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Their immense love and contribution towards football have made them players a class apart, he feels.
Hailing from a middle-class family, Pratik’s life revolves around his parents. He is aware of the sacrifices his parents made to raise him. His earnest dream is to settle well in life, save for the future and send his parents on a world tour.
Professionally, he never intends to stop learning. That is what keeps him going. “In the near future, I hope to complete my M.Com and Diploma in Project Management. Soon, I intend to learn the Mandarin language, as it is quite unique. Apart from that, I wish to be a self-sufficient, humble and content human being,” he signs off!
By Ekta Katti
