My first memory is of our very first afternoon in the college hostel. The hostel had no doors and it was like  some 'work-in-progress'. Yet there was an immense excitement in the air and we were all trying to gauge others. Within the next few days an announcement was made for night patrolling due to Indo-Pak war and we all felt like very responsible young citizens of the country while sharing cups of tea and chanting ‘Jagte Raho’. We also made wonderful friends.

The studies were daunting, but soon the survival techniques were shared and learnt. The spirit of give and take and the camaraderie were matchless. Exchange of notes, teaching others, complete reliance on the local guru’s (from one amongst us, who had attended classes and was diligent) guidance before the exams were the highlights of our five years.

While many of us were not very studious and lived in a world of our own, yet we were responsible youngsters, respectful of our teachers and ever conscious that our parents should never get an adverse report.

Securing consistent 66% marks in every semester was a must for me. A massive campaign used to be launched in the last ten days before the exams-18 to 20 hours of non-stop study, which involved some understanding, some mugging and a lot of reliance on the short term memory. After the exams, again 'achche 'din' would begin, with endless cycles of literature and poetry reading and general discussion over cups of tea.

Participation in debates and declamation contests was really very enjoyable and instilled in me great confidence towards public speaking.

Fourth year was a wake up call as the job market was not so good. In the final year there was a scramble for going to the U.S.A-the land of milk and honey. While several guys secured admissions to the U.S universities, the others mostly had to try their fate with the government departments. I mercifully got admission to the M.B.A program and that was indeed my calling.

Infact to quote the famous lines-'We had Joy, We had Fun, We had Seasons in the Sun'.