Joker in the Pack
Authors: Ritesh Sharma (IIM-L,2005)
Neeraj Pahlajani (IIM-B,2006)
The story is a brilliantly woven work of fiction blended with reality which describes a typical middle class boy who cherishes watching TV and loves bollywood and cricket, but makes his way through to one of the most coveted management institutes in the country - the IIMs, and the drastic changes in his life thereafter. The authors’ account of life at the IIMs is also a revelation. I reckon it a must read for all IIM aspirants, mba students and alumni.
The life of protagonist, ’Shekhar Verma’, like others of his kind, is guided by the extras, the so called ‘uncles and aunties’. The middle class’ vision of a secure career in IT, lands him in a third rate college of DU, with no great opportunities whatsoever. He indulges in a carefree life, keeps off from books and cheats in exams and has no goal in life. His life takes a turn when he finds a girlfriend, Anoushka. Later, he sincerely prepares for CAT while she prepares for GATE. Ultimately, they both find their respective ways to IIM-B and IIT-B.
The best part of the story begins at IIM-B. It starts with the interaction with the seniors and the first week termed as the “hell week” full of sleepless nights and hectic tasks which ends with a grand welcome party. Then the race to prepare starry resumes begins as everyone wants to be a part of one of the various committees. Amidst all the fuss, both Shekhar and Anoushka get busy with their lives and the long distance relationship doesn’t work and they break up.
The non-stop life at the IIM makes Shekhar curious and wary of his future, but he is still clueless about his choice of career options. Verma’s experience as an intern at Britannia is hilarious. While travelling for surveying various small towns his dreams (of a cozy office) shatter and he is welcomed by the real world. The rest of his journey at IIMB goes this way – he gets a PPO from Britannia; works hard for the institute’s cultural event Vista and the seniors’ placements; goes on a 2 week trip to work in DBS, Singapore; stands at 25th rank in the batch. Consequently, in the Pack filled with genius Aces & Kings, the fighter Joker gets some good bullet points to highlight in the resume and finally gets placed at BAH consulting, New York with a handsome package and lots of travelling. At the age of 22, Shekhar Verma makes his mark, makes his parents proud and the great Indian middle class dream of a secure and luxurious life comes true.
