Newcomers at IIMB look to move beyond their comfort zone

Newcomers at the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIMB) for the 2026-28 academic year have embarked on a transformative journey, stepping outside their comfort zones to pursue ambitious goals. Among them are students from varied backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences and aspirations into the rigorous environment of the prestigious institute. Reema Kumari, 22, hails from a small village in Bihar, where she faced significant challenges after losing her vision in 2015 at the age of 12. Her family initially struggled to navigate the future, but with the assistance of the NGO Saksham, she learned Braille and became proficient in using screen reader technology. This enabled her to continue her education and eventually clear the IPMAT and CAT exams. She enrolled in the BBA program at IIM-Rohtak, which further solidified her interest in management. Now admitted to IIMB, she aims to contribute meaningfully to the corporate world while advocating for support systems for children with disabilities. Kunal Jain, another student, grew up in Bhagalpur, Bihar, and identifies as openly queer. His academic journey took him to Hindu College in Delhi, where he found himself in a supportive community. “I looked for people like me who were successful in the corporate world, but didn't find many,” he shared. Determined to assert his identity, he began expressing himself more confidently. After completing his undergraduate degree, he relocated to Bengaluru to work in corporate roles. His goal is to build a career in strategy and finance, focusing on decision-making processes that benefit society broadly. Studying at IIMB represents a pivotal step toward achieving these ambitions. Ritika Kapoor’s path to IIMB began not in a traditional classroom setting, but on film production sets. As an independent producer, she created an award-winning short film, which exposed her to the complexities of managing projects under tight deadlines. These experiences raised questions about team dynamics and organizational resilience. Inspired by these insights, she pursued an MBA to deepen her understanding of business strategies and organizational behavior. She looks forward to engaging in classroom discussions and learning from peers with diverse industry and geographical backgrounds. Ramanuja Desikan C.R. chose to leave behind the stability of a Central government job as an Inspector of Customs in Chennai to pursue an MBA at IIMB. His tenure in customs exposed him to the intricacies of administrative practices, emphasizing the need for empathy and ethical governance. He believes that effective leadership requires not just enforcing rules, but understanding their broader implications on all stakeholders. His transition reflects a commitment to personal growth and professional reinvention. Abhimanyu Timbadia, a graduate of Ashoka University with a gold medal in BA Hons in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, also holds a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science. His academic pursuits included collaborative research on post-quantum cryptography with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This interdisciplinary approach, combining humanistic inquiry with technical expertise, has guided his career choices. At IIMB, he seeks to expand his knowledge and apply his skills in innovative ways. These students exemplify the diverse motivations and backgrounds that define the new batch at IIMB. Their stories highlight the institute's role in fostering innovation, inclusivity, and personal transformation. As they begin their academic journey, they carry with them the determination to overcome past obstacles and shape a brighter future.