Orientation

tbs, Delhi campus, welcomed their new batch of students through a two day action and fun filled Orientation program. Prof. A K Sengupta, former Dean, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

In his keynote address Prof. Sengupta highlighted the current scenario in the corporate environment. With globalization and liberalization, it has become fiercely competitive, requiring very fast decisions where scope for error is the least. Thus, the executives have to be multi-disciplinary, capable of multi-tasking, in an environment which is undergoing constant change. Another significant factor is the predominance of the service sector. The customers have wider choices now and they are much more demanding. This requires the adaptability of managers to the requirements of the organization.

Prof. Hans, Associate Director, welcomed the students who had come to tbs with the dream of a successful career. tbs will endeavor its best to make the dream a reality. But this would be possible only with the whole hearted participation of the students in all activities organized by tbs. Apart from class room teaching, these would include case studies, project works, workshops, seminars, extracurricular activities like cultural functions, social development work etc. He believes that studying and writing qualifying examinations for the University degree constituted about 15% of the achievement and the balance 85% would have to be acquired beyond it.

Prof. S Narayanan, an eminent scholar, spoke how many teachings from our shastras are relevant even today and how these have been adopted and practiced by business organizations world over. The teachings of Lord Krishna deserved a special mention in this regard. Achieving results is important, but at the same time, the means are equally important. These should be ethical and the benefits should be enjoyed by all concerned.

Prof. Narayanan clearly explained the differences among the concepts of wisdom, knowledge, education and information which were used by many interchangeably and not understood in the proper perspective. He also emphasized how the conduct of a person revealed his character. Conduct is the outward manifestation of character which is embedded within.

The proceedings of the first day ended with introduction of the students and a pledge by them to uphold the highest standards of behavior in tbs as well as outside, today and for ever.

On the second day, Prof. B P Sarkar, former Dean, Bangalore School of Business, impressed upon the students that they were now getting initiated into real life. They are ready to taste what it is like to run one's own life. By the time they pass out from tbs, their values and thinking patterns will be well established and there can be marginal changes and that too with great effort. The students must, therefore, put in their best efforts to acquire subject knowledge as well as environment knowledge.

The students had an ice-breaking session wherein they introduced themselves to each other. Thereafter they participated in some games. The Orientation program concluded with a conducted sightseeing tour of Delhi which they enjoyed thoroughly.