P Ashok Kumar, an alumnus of BITS Pilani, is a distinguished author and renowned figure in the business consulting industry. With over thirty years of experience, he has transformed numerous organizations through innovative approaches, leadership development, and strategic solutions. Ashok's expertise spans from start-ups and SMEs to multinational corporations, focusing on digital transformation, operations, and strategy. As a mentor and coach, he inspires and motivates business executives and teams, helping them achieve career advancement and personal growth.
A Trip Back to BITS Pilani: Memories, Friendship, and Feelings of the Past
The telegram that told me I was accepted to BITS Pilani for the August semester came in July 1990. I had no idea that this would be the start of an unforgettable trip. I started my first trip to Delhi with both joy and fear. The ride on the Haryana Road Transport Corporation bus, which went over 250 kilometers, was rough but exciting. I still remember my first days at BITS Pilani as if they had just been yesterday.
The Start: First Thoughts and Getting Used to Things
The director oriented us, and dorm rooms were allotted, which started this new part of my life. Vyas Bhavan would be my home for the first two years, and later, at Vishwakarma and Rana Pratap. The dorms, the seniors, and the busy college life were all part of a big adventure. Talking to “seniors” was one of the most interesting things about the early days. Unlike what most people think about ragging, our conversations were about getting to know each other. These times, which were often funny and full of friendship, broke the ice and made people feel like they belonged. The welcome for new students (2nd October) was a big step forward. It allowed the first-year students to start having a moustache and wearing chappals. This rite of passage marked our change from newcomers to full members of the BITS group.
Hostel life is what BITS is all about.
There was nothing else like living at Vyas Bhavan. Every day, doing new things was fun and challenging, like waiting in line to book trunk calls or staying up past 11 PM to get a 75% discount on phone calls (at Rs 15 per minute). We watched Doordarshan shows like "World This Week" and other shows in the common room, which was the centre of the dorm. Modern conveniences like centralised hot water systems, personal phones, and the internet were unavailable. Apart from the gym, QT cricket and table tennis were the only options. This made for a unique setting where relationships formed and friendships grew.
I quickly became the mess committee's poster boy because I was the only one who gained weight from eating the mess food. Even though it was funny, this success showed how good our dining experiences were and how much community spirit there was.
What college life is all about festivals, culture, and fun
It wasn't just school at BITS Pilani; it was a lively community full of holidays, cultural events, and endless fun. The school only had one bank, so students had to wait in long lines to get their money at the beginning of every month. We turned this boring job into a social event where we caught up with friends and shared "lacha" sessions.
The Saraswathi temple, Birla Museum, Flying Club, SKY, and, of course, the iconic clock tower can never be forgotten.
Food is an important part of our lives. MNB and Fried Maggie were like family at birthday parties, and the Reddiwalas, Bank Canteen (BC), and Institute Canteen (IC) were like lifelines for us. We ate a lot of Nestle products back then, so buying shares in the company would have been a good idea. Pappu's Shikanji and Rubdi were very famous.
People got together to have fun. The RAF occasionally showed movies, and the Pilani Tamil Mandram, the Hindi Drama Club, and the English Drama Club put on shows everyone looked forward to. Students from different batches got along well at the music club's "vera level" music nights.
The crazy weather in Pilani, where summers can reach 48°C and winters can drop to single digits, happened just in time for our semester tests. The bad weather made our college events and get-togethers even more special. In the winter, pigeons flew over the roads and sat on bicycles, giving our daily lives a quirky charm.
The Spirit of BITS: Holidays and Annual Events
At BITS, Indian holidays were marked with an unmatched level of excitement. The unique food, fancy decorations, and community involvement made each event memorable. Holi was the most exciting event of the year, with its bright colours and lively parties. It marked the start of spring.
Our activities outside of school kept us busy when school wasn't in session. As usual, we sometimes visited Ragamalika programs, CSD, and the library. We often went on trips to Jalti in Jhunjhunu, treks through the Phagadi, and late-night walks in the desert, where we got to know each other and nature better.
During the rest of India's trouble over the Mandal Commission, BITSians stayed in their world, worked together, and thought about what they had all been through. There were heated campaigns and arguments during the elections for the Students Union and different committees, which showed how democratic BITS was and is.
How Time Goes By: From New Students to Graduates
We became closer as the semesters went by. Because I was in the Department of Photography (DOPY), I captured the essence of events like the BITS Open Sports Meet (BOSM), our culture festival Oasis, and our science fair Apogee every year. These were the most exciting events of our school year. They were full of creativity, sportsmanship, and intellectual pursuits that drew participants and onlookers in.
Every year, the trip to and from Pilani was an adventure. For two to three days, the Tamil Nadu Express and Grand Trunk Express were almost entirely booked by people from BITS. This turned the train rides into moving campuses full of laughter, stories, and the hope of new starts.
The Last Lap: Lasting Impressions and Bonds That Last a Lifetime
As the last term ended, the thought of graduating grew bigger. The working Practice Programs (PS1 and PS2) were a way to get started in the working world. However, the friendships and experiences we shared made the change bittersweet.
It was not the end of our trip but the start of a bond that will last a lifetime. Even though we graduated about 30 years ago, the friendships we made at BITS Pilani are still close. A bond between BITSians can't be broken, and I know that if I walk any road with another BITSian, I will be safe and supported.
Friendship and growth that last a lifetime
I feel thankful and nostalgic about my time at BITS Pilani. What I've done, the problems I've faced, and the people I've met have all shaped who I am today. From the first telegram to the last term, every moment at BITS was a chance to learn, grow, and feel like you belong to a group that spans time and space.
BITS Pilani was more than just a school; it was a place where people tested their friendships and character. The things I learned, the people I met, and the memories I made still greatly impact my life. When I think about those four years, I remember that BITS Pilani isn't just about how well it does in the classroom; it's also about the spirit of its people—the students, the teachers, and the bonds that last a lifetime.
Ultimately, the journey at BITS Pilani was about learning new things, making friends, and growing as a person who will last a lifetime.
Join the GRANDEST EVER BITSIAN'S DAY EVENT in Bangalore on 4th August, 2024.
Link to RSVP: BITSAA Bangalore Official Website | BITS Pilani
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