An Interview with Aditi Srivastava (Student at FMS BHU)

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi, a central university with an Institution of National Importance (INI) and Institution of Eminence (IoE) by the Ministry of Education, was founded in 1916 by an Act of Parliament and approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Institute of Management Studies (IM), FMS, a BHU department, has offered management education since 1968 and was later upgraded to an institute. FMS BHU courses include diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, PG Diploma, and doctoral levels. Admission to BHU is based on CAT 2024, GD-PI, and previous academic merit.

Careers360 brings you an interview with Aditi Srivastava, a student at the BHU campus. In her interview, Aditi shares her experience studying at the college. Read through Aditi Srivastava's complete interview to learn more about IM (FMS) BHU from a student’s perspective.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

Aditi Srivastava: I am Aditi Srivastava, an MBA Marketing student at the Institute of Management Studies. I hail from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Since childhood, I've admired the legacy of Banaras Hindu University. When I had the opportunity to visit the campus during my GDPI process, I fell in love with its serenity. Walking through the campus brought me a sense of calm, and I believe it is a legacy that India should cherish and preserve for future generations.

Careers360: What were the factors that made you choose BHU?

Aditi Srivastava: The legacy associated with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a significant factor in my choice. Being from Prayagraj, Banaras is the closest major city to my hometown. The return on investment for programs at IM(FMS) BHU is a compelling reason for my decision.

Careers360: What was the first thing that you noticed about the campus and life at BHU?

Aditi Srivastava: Huge lush green campus full of positivity, VT is the powerhouse of BHU, Starting everything with the name of Lord Shiva and his blessings, Diverse students from all across India, Seeking blessings of Pt. Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya ji by every student, professor, staff, and visitor is a ritual, Free bus services help in commuting, Huge hostels that can accommodate everyone and the presence of basic amenities within the hostel campus

Careers360: What were the initial challenges faced by you at the campus?

Aditi Srivastava: Here are some challenges faced:

1)Sharing a room with a stranger.

2)Learning about routes within the campus, which seemed daunting at first due to similar streets filled with trees.

3)Walking from the hostel to the main gate of the hostel complex, which could be time-consuming when waiting for a parcel from an e-commerce delivery person.

Careers360: What do you think are unique facilities that are offered at BHU?

Aditi Srivastava: Some unique facilities include:

1)Huge library with over 2 million books, journals, and digital resources.

2)Vishwanath Temple is centrally located, and known for its healing significance.

3)Health center offering basic medical aid and priority access to Sir Sundar Lal Hospital for students without waiting in line.

Careers360: Give us a glimpse of the daily routine followed by you at the BHU Campus.

Aditi Srivastava: I start my day with a nature walk outside my hostel, enjoying the beautiful garden full of roses. After that, I take a shower and get ready to head to the mess for breakfast. Then, I leave for college, sometimes walking and other times taking an e-rickshaw. I attend lectures and give presentations according to the schedule. During break times, I love to interact with my friends. I usually rush back to the hostel for lunch because of time constraints. After lunch, I head back to college, where I either attend more lectures or spend time in the library. At around 5 PM, when we leave for the hostel, we often stop by VT for tea and samosas or go to the ghats of Banaras to relax and rejuvenate. Once back at the hostel, I take a short nap. After waking up, I study the current topics. Later, I go to the mess for dinner and take a small walk around the hostel campus. Finally, I listen to soothing music before sleeping to recharge for the next day.

Careers360: If you were to rate one favorite thing at the BHU Campus, what would it be?

Aditi Srivastava: If I were to rate one thing at the BHU campus, it would be the serene, lush green environment. It is inherently stress-relieving, and its calmness and tranquility make it a unique aspect of the campus. This peaceful atmosphere truly enhances my experience as a student here.

Careers360: How would you rate the campus facilities?

Aditi Srivastava: 9/10

Careers360: Which areas do you think can do with some improvement?

Aditi Srivastava: Girl's Washroom, canteens, real-time updates of lectures.

Careers360: Peer groups generally leave long-lasting impressions and many times translate to lifelong friendships. What is your opinion on the peer groups at BHU?

Aditi Srivastava: During my time at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), I found that peer groups have a profound impact on the university experience. The friendships I formed were not only enjoyable but also provided essential support during challenging times. Collaborating with classmates made studying more effective and enjoyable, and we motivated each other to excel academically.

While there were moments of peer pressure and distractions, I learned to surround myself with positive influences that helped me stay focused on my goals. Overall, my experience with peer groups at BHU has been incredibly rewarding, and I believe these connections will last well beyond graduation.

Careers360: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. This holds for all. What are the regular fun activities at BHU?

Aditi Srivastava: At BHU, I truly believe that the saying "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" holds for everyone. That's why our college makes a concerted effort to engage students in various fun activities. We have events like Rangsangram, which is a management fest, and Unnayan, which is a cultural fest. There's also Pratispardha, a competitive event that brings out our talents.

In addition to these, we celebrate the Youth Festival and host inter-faculty cultural events like Spandan, which promote creativity and foster a sense of community among us. The University Sports Board also organizes various sports activities, ensuring that we have a well-rounded experience during our time here. Overall, these activities help us balance our academic responsibilities with enjoyable and enriching experiences.

Careers360: Name some of the prominent clubs at BHU. Which ones are you part of? Do you think they are important for students?

Aditi Srivastava: Masc , VisVires, kalpvriksh, Sports club, Sewarth club, I am part of cultural club of BHU named VisVires.I believe it is very important to be a part of clubs to build interpersonal skills like collaboration, team building, adaptability, and communication which shape individual behavior.

Careers360: Extracurricular activities cover a lot of things. Name some activities that you participate in.

Aditi Srivastava: Cultural, sports, and management activities are the ones that I have participated.

Careers360: Stress busters are important, especially with intense programmes of study. What are yours?

Aditi Srivastava: Walking around the campus, listening to music, and sitting at the ghats of Banaras

Careers360: Name some activities that are related and focused on the BHU MBA & MBA-IB.

Aditi Srivastava: Footsteps, Brand Baja Baazar, Unnayan, Ransangram, and Pratispardha are some of the activities that

Careers360: If you were to rate your academic infrastructure, what would be your opinion on a score of 1 to 10?

Aditi Srivastava: I rate the academic infrastructure as 8/10.

Careers360: In your opinion, how do campus life and interactions shape a student's life?

Aditi Srivastava: Campus life and interactions significantly shape a student's experience and development. They foster social skills, enhance networking opportunities, and promote cultural awareness. Living on campus encourages independence and responsibility, contributing to personal growth. Additionally, peer interactions often provide academic support, improving learning outcomes. Overall, these elements play a vital role in preparing students for their future careers and personal lives.

Careers360: What are the regular events that are held at the BHU campus?

Aditi Srivastava: Some of the regular events include the Induction Program, Aagman for freshers, Teacher’s Day, Footsteps, Brand Baja Baazar, Institute, Unnayan, Ransangram, Pratispardha

Careers360: If you had to describe your campus in a nutshell, what would that be?

Aditi Srivastava: Peace in chaos, Blessing in disguise.

Careers360: What would you miss most about the campus and life here after you leave?

Aditi Srivastava: Lush green campus, college life, friends, ghats of Banaras, VT, and its cold coffee with samosa.

Disclaimer: This content has been published as a part of a marketing initiative between Careers360 and IM BHU.CAT 2024