NAMASKAR

As the budget draws close, the country anticipates

economy’s policies favouring still higher revenue for
the country year after year...
With income, comes power, and with power, comes
responsibility. Responsibility towards others,
responsibility to take initiatives.
So here are we, back with ‘Aarohan’s’ next edition, a platform for voicing
endeavours relating to youth, professionals and society. We would try to
summarise...

As day is to night. Sun is to twilight..

We are back for our readers,
With things that are right,
‘Right’ for you, and for others..
Afterall, they are our brethren..
Humanity is what we owe to,
Hope you like the effort we do...
Would love to have your suggestions, articles or recommendations...

At rotaractimnu@googlegroups.com
Happy Reading.. ☺
THE EDITORIAL TEAM

Arnab Nag Aneri Kadakia

Kittu Rajpal Gaurav Somani
 Faculty’s Corner
Some compilations on Effective Listening Skills

Satish K Nair

Assistant Professor

Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship Area

The topic is universal and, thus, applicable to the first-year students of MBA as much
as it does to the graduates who’re on the threshold of their corporate career.
However, I’d wish for the latter to pay more heed to these simple, yet highly effective
lessons. Especially since your immediate career path would expose you to situations
requiring precisely this very skill of listening (either in your marketing/sales jobs or
in most of the various other jobs you’ve landed). More so, since you’ll get lots of
opportunities for “saying” - presentations about your company, products, etc - in
fact, so many avenues for saying that there’s a fear you might get carried away in a
torrent of your own words! This is where listening and the importance of making a
conscious effort at developing listening skills come in.

The following lessons in effective listening need to be ‘contextualised’ in order to

appreciate why this article appears at this juncture in this source. By this, I mean that
you need to put yourself in the shoes of the ‘other party’ who you’ll face in the role
that you’d be donning soon. There will be a lot of occasions demanding you to be at
your professional best. And, being the best means taking care of, both, the ‘content’
and the ‘style’ with which you’ll interact with the ‘others’ - be they prospects,
superiors, colleagues, juniors, existing customers, vendors, etc, etc, etc!

Try and ‘internalise’ the following points in developing yourself into a real good
listener

• Concentrate
– You must devote your full attention to what is being said. Resist the
temptation to try to do two things at once. [Multi-skilling sounds good,
but, not when you’re listening to important points put forth by the
‘other party’.]
• Don’t interrupt the speaker
 – Interrupting the speaker may cause him or her to lose the train of
thought, which means that the conversation may get away from the
central issues at hand. Any unnecessary remarks or other distractions
can make the speaker feel uneasy or – even worse – he or she may
think you are not listening.
• Beware of listening ‘turnoffs’
– Because it is more difficult to listen when the focus is on topics you
don’t like, you should practise listening to things you don’t want to
hear. Learn to pick up the ‘clues’
• Ask questions
– Even the best listeners sometimes need an explanation of what the
speaker is saying – so don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional
information. This is particularly important in instances where there
may be more than one interpretation. Be sure you know exactly what
the speaker means. Just ask. [Very important when you’re with
prospects. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that asking (pertinent)
questions may project you as a fool. After all, it’s rightly said - Ask a
question, fool for once. Never ask, fool forever.]
• Don’t jump to conclusions
– Never assume that you know what a speaker is going to say. The simple
thought, ‘Oh yeah. I know what he/she is going to say’ already has
distracted you – and you may have missed an important point. Certain
words or phrases may act as a trigger, reminding you of some past
experience. Your response to the word will be immediate and may
cause you to jump to a conclusion. You must make an effort to isolate
your ‘triggers’ so that you can work on listening to them within the
context of the present conversation.
• Beware of small talk (in a formal setting)
– Small talk can work for you or against you. While getting along with a
speaker personally fosters a good working relationship, it is important
to differentiate between pleasantries and serious talk. At the same time,
remember that casual conversation may contain some potent clues to
unexplored opportunities.
• Take notes
– Sometimes it may be helpful for you to take notes. You don’t have to
record every word the speaker says, but you might jot down some key
issues or specifications.

There are three listening strategies that can come in handy in your various
interactions with the ‘other parties’ mentioned above:

1. Passive listening
a. This is the most basic of the three strategies.
b. A passive listener remains silent, giving the speaker proper attention.
 c. When appropriate, the listener may indicate that he or she is listening
by adding ‘I see’, ‘yes’, or ‘no’.
d. A passive listening approach usually works best when (i) the speaker is
someone who speaks clearly and is easily understood, or (ii) there is
very little risk of misinterpretation.
2. Active listening
a. Attentiveness and affirmation of what the speaker is saying are also
required in active listening – but, in addition, the listener will try
(mentally) to outline the speaker’s thoughts into main topics and
supporting points.
b. Then, at certain times, the listener will ‘play back’ what the speaker has
said. The listener may lead into this with such phrases as ‘In other
words, you mean …’. Such an approach allows the listener to verify that
he or she has understood the speaker.
c. Outlining what the speaker says is easy if you focus on the key words.
Then you can sort them into categories such as main or supporting
points, pros or cons, or similarities and differences. An additional
benefit of doing a mental outline of conversation is that it increases
your level of conversation – and you are less likely to be distracted.
3. Interactive listening
a. A simple, yet effective, technique is interactive listening: Just as active
listening skills build on passive listening, interactive listening builds on
active listening – the difference is that the interactive listener will
analyse the mental outline to identify any areas that are vague or
incomplete. Then the listener will ask the speaker for clarification.
b. Interactive listening is not easy; it is a developed skill. Many times we
might have felt ‘One of the hardest thing is knowing what information
you need. As soon as the speaker has left, I sometimes remember that I
forgot to ask a certain question.’ Developing skill in interactive listening
takes practice, but you can be sure that results will follow as you
become more competent and confident in using this technique.

Let me end with an interesting quote: The most important thing in communication is
to hear what isn’t being said. Search for this in every formal and informal
conversations with your important stakeholders!

Hope this small endeavour of mine would contribute just that li’l bit in developing
that “professional” in you.

Here’s wishing you the very best in your career and in life!!!
 “TEACH FOR INDIA” REACHES OUT TO IMNU
...By
...By Rtr. Akash Jain
Surprises can come in any form. For Rotaract, it was a pleasant surprise
to find a Teach For India recruitment coordinator, Mr. Yajur Taxali
coming to IMNU for enlightening the Institute students about the
invaluable efforts put in by an organization of its own kind to reach out
to poor children and educate them.

Mr. Taxali gave an informative presentation on the current statistics of

education scenario harping on the fact that 40% of India is illiterate.

The key points of the presentation were:

A lack of education is the root of several major issues in India, and the
right education for all our citizens has the potential to solve all these
problems at one time:
 If we educate India in the right way, our citizens will gain the necessary skills to
survive in a competitive world. This would lead to better paying jobs and a
higher standard of living, hence solving the crisis of poverty.
 If we educate India in the right way, our citizens will have a broader mindset.
This would lead to greater tolerance and an appreciation for all religions, hence
solving the crises of religious violence and caste discrimination.
 If we educate India in the right way, our citizens will be able to better
understand the negative repercussions and immoral nature of fraudulent
activities, hence solving the crisis of corruption.
 If we educate India in the right way, our citizens will shy away from radical
ideologies and will not be acquiesced easily, hence solving the crisis of
terrorism.
 If we educate India in the right way, our citizens will gain a moral conscience,
and realize the worth of a human life and the position of women in society,
hence solving the crisis of human rights violations.

Education goes far beyond writing your name, or reading a book. It is

truly about transforming the entire nation.
The presentation was followed by a small clipping portraying the contribution of the
Teach for India volunteers.

The main agenda of the meet was to persuade Young professionals working full time
and students in their final year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, to apply
for the organization.
Even on a very short notice, the event was attended by a good number of members
from both the Rotaract Club and Social Cell which proved the dedication of the
pupils towards social issues requiring immediate attention.

Rotaract Club proposed to propagate the sentiments of Teach for India in other
colleges of Ahmedabad which was very much appreciated by Mr. Taxali.

Above all the meet was an eye opener for all of us and has definitely triggered serious
concerns in our mind to look into the plight of our country and its citizens and stand
up and deliver to the situation
The Rotaract Club of IMNU will continue to participate in many such programs and
events in future with unrelenting efforts and hard work.
 INITIATIVE AT BOPAL MUNICIPAL SCHOOL
.......By Saswat

In India, the lower rung of the society is continuously deprived of

education. This is because the parents are not aware of the benefits of
education. During our visits to primary schools around Ahmedabad, we
observed a number of issues:

• High dropouts due to parents not motivating children enough

• Teachers being given additional responsibilities, apart from teaching
• Lack of clerical staff to handle
clerical jobs
• To motivate children and bring
some amount of happiness in their
lives, we organised some track and
field events at the playground of
Bopal municipal school, situated in
Bopal village. This helped in
learning through fun. First, we
conducted a relay race in which
twenty seven students participated
with high energy. It was inspiring
to see the eyes of the children
sparkle with enthusiasm. This event helped in team-building and increase co-
ordination amongst the students.

We also conducted a kho-kho event. This

event saw girls participating in it with great
passion and eagerness to win. The event
brought out the competitive and winning
spirit of the students. All the winners were
given chocolates.

We also tested their inquisitive side in the

academic front by taking a short session on
Geometry. We found that the children were
like any other normal student going to nearby private school in terms of their want for
learning. They just needed proper guidance to reach their goals and aspirations. Overall, it
was a great learning experience for us.
 Manav Sadhna Mentorship programme – An unprecedented
Initiative Project Nirman
...............by Manav Sadhna Team
“Manav Sadhna is a non-profit organization comprised of a young group of
dedicated individuals working for the up-liftmen of poor and needy children. It
supports the underprivileged children from six slum areas in the city. The main areas
being taken care of by this organization are empowerment, health & hygiene and
education of these underprivileged children.”

The Rotaract team of IMNU identified the areas where it could contribute and
work in tandem with the organization. One of the major problems that these children
are facing is the lack of proper career direction. This is attributed to lack of outer
environment experience, no personal counselling and family restrictions. So we
started working towards this sensitive area which was being ignored, under the long
term mentorship programme for these needy children.

We are a team of 12 under this programme and our aim is to provide a proper
career direction as well as develop the skills which our mentees lack. This
programme was started in Nov’10 and is running successfully with great enthusiasm
and will continue in the same manner . Each mentor visits his/her mentee once in
ten days. A bond has been developed among the mentors and the mentees. This gives
a room to mentees to share their difficulties and shortcomings with us, and thus the
area of improvement.

Rotaract sees this as a potential activity where IMNU can have long term
connection with Manav Sadhna to work towards this social cause. To make the kids
have a feel of IMNU once we brought all of them to our campus. They enjoyed the
day thoroughly. They also steal a number of hearts by some heart throbbing dancing
moves and Yoga dance. I strongly urge my other batch mates, who are not part of this
programme, to come and visit Manav Sadhna with us. They will definitely be
tempted to work with us and feel immense contentment. I hope to see some
volunteers out there joining our cause, after reading this article.
 बदाई to our beloved Seniors
Here's to all the laughs and here's to the togetherness.
Here's to all the time spent together, celebrating Rotaractor’s
oneness.
Our one year of association has gone by so fast,
It's hard to believe that soon, it'll be a part of our past.

We joined you as a newcomer, most of us unprepared,

You were always there and made us motivated,
We've learned how to love, we've learned how to care,
We've learned when in doubt, someone would always be there,
Seriously, these learnings from you were not just fun,
But, those have made us confident and united us as one.

We will keep up old traditions, and start anew of our own,

but, assure you that we will never let you down,
The memories we've shared, the times we've spent together,
They will stay with us always because goodbye is not forever.
The journey with Rotaract started from the day when we were introduced to all clubs
and committees in the auditorium. Everyone wanted to join their interests and
passion and that same passion drove us to be part of the special club of IMNU i.e.
‘Rotaract Club’. And, today we feel proud about our decision to be associated with it.
No constraints, no compulsion, but only thing it needs is dedication. And, when we
talk about dedication, we cannot see other than our very own senior team of Rotaract
Club. We see them as leaders and as organizers, they were dedicated and always self
motivated. After a year of working with them all, our bags are already full with so
many takeaways.

Every activity that we implemented together, be it a blood donation, face painting or

be it a Manav Sadhna mentorship program, they were always there to lead us, guide
us and make each of the events a big success. Truly, together we make a fabulous
team. The onus has now shifted to our shoulders, and we assure that the spirit of
Rotaractors will always stay with us and that will keep us motivated and focussed
constructively about our future endeavours.

On an ending note, we would like to wish our beloved senior Rotractors a very bright
future... We will Miss you all!!!

From: Rotaract Junior team

 “Straight from the heart of seniors”
seniors”
“My Sojourn with Rotaract”

Rotaract Club of IMNU, which was initiated by our seniors 1.5 years back, has really
achieved a lot in this short period of time. I appreciate the dedication and efforts of
all the volunteers to help the Slum Kids so that they can have a better future &
making this Manav Sadhna Mentee-Mentorship Program a Success. I am really glad
that being a member of Rotaract I got opportunities to do something for the Society.

At last, I would like to congratulate the new Board and I am sure that in coming year
RC-IMNU is going to achieve much more than what it had achieved till now. ATB
Everyone ☺

Rohit Bhura

Rotaract stands for society as well as self-development. Organizing of blood donation

camps were few of those initial tasks we took here and had lot of participation too.
The latest initiative of mentor-mentee relationship at Manav Sadhana (an NGO) is
one of the experiences which make me proud of being a Rotaractor. Going through
the slum and understanding life of slum kids is unimaginable while sitting in an AC
room. But I learnt and I believed, while I took on this as a mentor, in a saying “Teach
a Man to catch the Fish, rather to give him food.”

I wish the forthcoming board to move Rotaract Club to those flying colors which even
we did not thought of.

Rohit Kumar

I was lucky to have a good team both among my peers and the 2010-12 batch which
made the job relatively easy. Especially the initiative with Manav-Sadhna would
never have been a success without the selfless support of the junior Rotaract Team.

We expect and are pretty confident that the junior team will indulge Rotaract in more
student activities and will reach out to more and more students in need as part of the
Mentorship program.

Wish you all the best 2010-12. Have a great life and the best of Placements ☺

God Bless

Saurabh Sharma
To start with it’s been a scintillating experience being a part of the Rotaract Club.
This all started with our seniors bringing the Rotaract idea to IMNU & we joined in
with enthusiasm to “SERVE THE SOCIETY”.
We came up with initiatives of Aarohan-the quarterly newsletter, Manav Sadhna and
many other group events and the response was overwhelming. I veritably
acknowledge the works of Arnab, Gaurav, Kittu and Aneri for being instrumental in
publishing Aarohan.

I wish to bestow my wisdom of 3 P’s to the new-formed Board: “Passion,

Perseverance & Performance” and wish that they transfer the purport of these words
into action.

With best wishes,

Akash Jain

Being part of Rotaract club has inculcated in me sense of responsibility for the
society and helped me in developing myself. My journey with Rotaract started with
organizing quiz event. Blood donation organized by us gave me feeling of satisfaction
and care for the society. In second year we organized get-together event with junior
Rotaract which was a fruitful interaction session between senior and junior
Rotaractors.

I wish my relation with fellow Rotaractors and parent Rotary continue to grow. I
thank Prof. Sapna Parashar for being a mentor and source of inspiration for us. All
the best to junior Rotaractors for placements and great life ahead.

Vaibhav Gupta
 Pratibha Poshak
................ by Rtr. Sunit Lohia
Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to
another.
- Gilbert K. Chesterton

Pratibha Poshak was the initiative that took the above thought forward under the
aegis of ‘Akansha’, the social arm of Infosys, Bhubaneswar. Under this initiative,
needy and meritorious students were selected from all across Odisha based on many
criteria including their past academic performance. The social arm financed the
educational needs of these students and also provided them with moral support. I
mentored one such student who was preparing for his Engineering Entrance
Examinations. Initially the student took some time to open up and discuss his
problems with me. However, after two meetings we struck a good rapport. I held
several sessions with him to clear his doubts in mathematics and also contacted his
teachers for his progress in studies. He was facing problems with time management
as he was unable to divide his time amongst the many subjects. So, I helped him
make a study plan for the month leading up to the exams and monitored his progress
on a weekly basis. He passed the examination with a decent rank and is currently
pursuing Engineering at a reputed engineering college in Odisha. This had been a
great experience that enlightened me with a new way of life.
 Saral: A initiative for the kids of mother Earth
Such event would easily pass as big ticket/grand in any institutions’ event calendar,
but ‘SAANIDHYA’ is a far too pure and simple an effort to require any kind of self
praising, unavoidable and essential for any other regular management college
activity. But the story is worth telling…….

One fine day bunch of IMNU’ites decided to celebrate humanity and thus was born
the idea of SAANIDHYA, Why not have a get together of similar socially sensitive
cells they thought (Like IMNU’s social arm SARAL)? Undaunted efforts, continuous
follow-ups and multi area arrangements bore the sweet fruit of creating a day to
remember for life for all who could be part of SAANIDHYA in any way.

IIMA’s Prayaas and a national level NGO – Manav Sadhana came down with their
little stars to join our SARAL kiddos in the festival of knowing, sharing, learning,
playing and laughing i.e. SAANIDHYA. The day started with snacks for the kids
followed by art and craft workshop for sixty odd kids. Then, with an intention to
provide big platform to empower and encourage them, the kids were taken to the
auditorium, where the special little ones stole everyone’s heart by showcasing of their
talent. Before we bid ‘good byes’ and ‘see u again’, there was an Outdoor Play time in
IMNU lawns to let our young friends enjoy their time to the fullest .

The day marked release of SARAL website and its institutionalisation as

a registered NGO! And thus one small, kind wish turned into a mission.
The new FACES of ROTARACT IMNU
© All rights reserved. Editorial Team – Rotaract Club of IMNU