I knew Shivku sir, being an IITian, would be a genius; but never thought during my first interaction with him that he would be so happy-go-lucky and interactive. The sessions with him were very helpful for the PI rounds. My results are a testimony in itself. Shivku sir knew what kind of mindset the interviewer would have for each of the colleges IIM-A, B, and C. He knew IIM-B focuses on work ex, IIM-C on Maths and Stats, and IIM-A on academics; so, we practised accordingly. His ability to read your strengths, to predict the target areas for the respective interview panel, is what I find most amusing. The best one was his belief in me, and his soft and positive personality. The best part about PDP Personalised is the mentors. You have that confidence that you have someone who is already from an IIM is with you. From academics to moral and emotional anxieties of exams, I found support. It was more than "The best Institute for CAT".
Shivku sir seemed very simple, and still so inspiring. Rarely does it happen that a person's authenticity and sincerity move you as much as he moved me. When the CAT scores came out, I started interacting with Shivku sir for the PI round. He tweaked the PDP program to suit my requirements. He used to devote long hours to me in person, or on phone, to discuss my progress. He laid out the details of everything I had to prepare for - my life story, academics, extra-curricular activities, personality - basically, everything that was required of me to crack the interviews. After every interview, I used to have long sessions over the phone with him to improve my performance in the forthcoming interviews. Even after the results came out, he helped me take a decision on the program I should join. In all, the mentorship was the best part of PDP; and perhaps, the main reason I would be going to a B-school this year.
Shivku sir always motivated me; and asked me to calm down whenever I panicked. His test-taking strategy helped me in a lot many ways - I could see drastic improvements in my scores. Each section was taken up by him separately; and he shared his approach to each question, which was really helpful. The sessions weren't only focussed on interview prep, but on all-round development. It immensely helped me. Learning about things which really matter in the long run, building self-confidence, and expanding our circle of knowledge are some important takeaways from the program. I want to thank Shivku sir, without whom I could not have achieved whatever I have. He is more than a teacher or mentor to me.
When PDP mentors were announced, and I learnt that Shivku sir would be my mentor, I knew I will be able to convert my best call. He motivated me during my lows, shared my happiness when I was happy, called me often to check on my preparation, and even took Skype interviews early in the morning! I would definitely attribute my success at the interviews to Shivku sir. His tips not only helped me clear the interviews of various B-schools but also made me an overall confident person. Sir kept on nudging me to write answers to the questions in the PDP book; and corrected them personally. He cross-questioned my answers; and helped me improve on them. In the interview, I was able to justify all my points, and make a mark. The best aspect of PDP is the assignment of a mentor to get personalized attention. Really lucky to have Shivku sir as my mentor.
"The one willing to walk the extra mile"
"Mr 'Know it All'"
"On-the-toes thinker"
"Mr 'Modest'"
Reason: Because of his amazing language skill and witty style. His ability to express thoughts, build in the right amount of humor, the right amount of wit, and yet be knowledgeable - that's a unique combination.
Other notable authors: Leon Uris for historical fiction like 'Exodus' and 'The Haj'; Dominique Lapierre for biographical history like 'Freedom at Midnight', and J K Rowling's Harry Potter series for her ability to imagine even the smallest details of a vast magical universe and get inside a kid's mind.
Every day, you meet so many great people you want to emulate. I seek wisdom from the experiences different people in my life have given me. My dad, being my earliest role model; one of my first students, Pranav Lal, who is a visually impaired photographer; my friends, who instilled in me the spirit of 'taking things easy'; my school teacher, whose simplicity in teaching I am still trying to emulate; and people like Gopichand, who is much more than a talented sportsman - he is a man of supreme values.
Plays badminton with friends on weekends; also follows cricket, football, and hockey.
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Big fan of 'Good Will Hunting', a classic case of breaking walls built around oneself.
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To travel the world on road; and provide free education to those who are unable to access it.
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Has keen interest in historical fiction, 'Exodus' by Leon Uris being one of his favorites.
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Loves Denzel Washington's 'Malcolm X' - a dramatic movie about race relations and the struggle of colored.
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Likes to capture people's minds through their moods and emotions via photography.
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