On 13th May 2025, SCMS Cochin School of Business hosted a highly impactful seminar on “Body Language & Executive Presence”, conducted by Ms. Reenu Sebastian, a well-known Life Coach and Corporate Trainer. Organized under the banner of Industry Institute Interaction (III) in association with IQAC, the session drew enthusiastic participation from students eager to enhance their professional readiness.
Ms. Reenu delivered an empowering and insightful session that focused on the power of non-verbal communication—an essential skill in today’s competitive placement landscape. She shared valuable, practical tips on posture, confidence, and power presence, emphasizing how these elements significantly influence one’s impression during interviews and corporate interactions. One of the most inspiring aspects of the session was her personal story on overcoming stage fear, which resonated strongly with the audience.
What truly set the seminar apart was its interactive nature. Ms. Reenu skillfully engaged the students, encouraging them to open up, express their thoughts, and ask questions. The audience responded with enthusiasm, and the Q&A segment transformed into a lively discussion where students brought forward real-life concerns and scenarios. With grace and clarity, Ms. Reenu provided real-time, practical solutions that addressed each concern individually, making the session both relatable and actionable.
Students left the seminar with a renewed sense of self-assurance and a deeper understanding of how body language and executive presence play a vital role in professional success. The event was not only informative but also genuinely inspiring, making a lasting impact on everyone who attended.
Such initiatives reflect the commitment of SCMS Cochin School of Business towards equipping students with essential life and career skills, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.
On 8th May 2025, SCMS Cochin School of Business, in association with IQAC, hosted a highly engaging and informative seminar under the Industry Institute Interaction (III) initiative. The topic of the session was “Bridging the Skills Gap: What Industry Really Expects from Fresh Graduates,” led by none other than Mr. Dileep Choyappally, Vice President and Head of Human Resources at NeST Digital Pvt. Ltd.
As students, we were truly privileged to be a part of this enriching session. Mr. Choyappally’s inspiring words offered a clear view into the real-world expectations of the corporate sector, especially in the current dynamic and evolving job market. Drawing from his vast experience as a senior HR professional, he touched upon the various recruitment criteria that companies follow while hiring fresh talent. What made the session truly remarkable was the way he blended industry insights with personal anecdotes, making every point both relatable and memorable.
One of the most impactful takeaways from the seminar was his reminder to students: academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. In today’s competitive world, having additional skills beyond the curriculum is vital. He emphasized the importance of upskilling in tools like Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Python, and more, which are increasingly becoming essential in many career paths. His engaging delivery style kept us all curious and eager to learn more, and the enthusiasm in the seminar hall was palpable.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where Mr. Choyappally patiently and enthusiastically answered all our questions. His openness and willingness to guide us made a lasting impression on everyone present.
To express our heartfelt gratitude, a memento was presented to Mr. Dileep Choyappally on behalf of SCMS Cochin School of Business. This session was not only informative but also deeply motivating for all attendees, encouraging us to take proactive steps towards building a more industry-ready profile.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Dileep Choyappally for his time and wisdom, and to SCMS and IQAC for organizing such a valuable session for the student community.
The third session of the Industry Institute Interaction (III), in association with IQAC, featured an inspiring talk by Ms. Christina Cherian, Business Editor at 24 News on 4th April 2025. With infectious energy and a wealth of experience, Ms. Cherian captivated the audience with her talk on “Entrepreneurship, AI and Beyond: Mastering the Journey from Seed to Scale.”
She began with the compelling story of Tata’s visionary Nano car, a project born from the dream of providing affordable mobility to Indian families. From there, she shared the success story of Sara, an entrepreneur who scaled from humble beginnings through resilience and innovation.
One of the highlights of the session was her discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping industries, stressing the importance of upskilling and multitasking in today’s dynamic business world. She cleverly compared the entrepreneurial journey to the birth of a baby—beginning with the seed stage, moving to planning, and then execution, highlighting how nurturing and adaptability are vital at every stage.
Drawing from her own career, Ms. Cherian shared her inspiring transition from being a Higher Secondary Economics Teacher to stepping into the fast-paced world of journalism. Deeply passionate about storytelling and inspired by the renowned Mr. Sreekandan Nair, she embraced the media world and is now a respected face in business journalism.
She concluded by encouraging students to face challenges head-on through continuous learning and skill development, urging them to embrace change and follow their passions fearlessly. This enlightening session left the audience motivated, better informed about the entrepreneurial path, and inspired by the speaker’s personal and professional evolution.
Professor Geeta Tripathi, an expert in IT and telecommunications with over two decades of global experience, delivered an insightful talk on the evolution of ethos in management, especially in the Indian context. The event, part of the Bodhi talk series, focused on how technological advancements have transformed the values and principles (ethos) that guide management.
Changes in Ethos Through Industrial Revolutions
Professor Tripathi explained how the ethos of industries has changed with each industrial revolution. Starting from Industry 1.0, which started in 1784 with steam engines and factories, the main ethos was resilience. Indian industries, like textile mills, had to work hard to survive under British rule. In industry 2.0, companies like Tata Steel started, giving jobs to many people. This was the time of the Swadeshi movement, which promoted Indian-made products and self-reliance. In industry 3.0, starting in 1969, electronic and automated production became common. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, India experienced at IT boom, and the ethos shifted to innovation. Today, in Industry 4.0, we live in a world of digital technology, cloud computing, and smart factories. India is a big part of this global change, with many startups and new technologies leading the way. Looking forward to scociety5.0, human and machine collaboration will grow even stronger, with technology playing a big role in society.
Ethos in Different cultures
Professor Tripathi talked about how different countries have different values.
In Japan, people value collectivism (working together), harmony, and continuous improvement (Kaizen). In India, ethos is based on community, spirituality, and strong moral values. In Western countries, people focus more on individualism and innovation. However, all cultures share a belief in the importance of ethics and morality.
Challenges in Modern Management in India
Professor Tripathi spoke about the challenges Indian companies face today. One challenge is balancing tradition with modern ways of working. Companies need to respect their traditions, like hierarchy and spirituality, while also adopting new, agile ways of working. Another challenge is handling diversity in the workplace and staying ethical in a world focused on making profits.
Poets and Management
One of the most engaging aspects of the talk was Professor Tripathi’s comparison of modern management principles with the values expressed by Indian poets:
Rabindranath Tagore: Tagore’s works explore deep philosophical ideas, spirituality, humanism and love for nature. Spoke about free thinking, which is important for making organizations open to new ideas.
Kabir: Emphasized the importance of truth and dialogue, which are key for good leadership. His ideas were radical and challenges both religious and social norms.
Amir khusro: Focused on unity, which is important for managing diverse teams. His works promoted the idea of unity beyond religious or social boundaries.
C. Subramania Bharati: Encouraged innovation and creative thinking. Bharati’s works often reflected his revolutionary ideas about social justice, women’s empowerment, national independence.
Purandara Dasa: Spoke about social responsibility, which is similar to modern corporate social responsibility.
INDIAN COMPANIES: LIVING THE ETHOS
Professor Tripathi provided examples of how leading Indian Companies embody these values:
Tata Group is known for humility, integrity, and prioritizing purpose over profit. Infosys practices simplicity and innovation, focusing on frugal use of resources. Wipro focuses sustainability and social service. Bharati Airtel is recognized for customer focus and resilience in the dynamic telecom industry.
The talk concluded with a reflection on the importance of balancing traditional Indian values with the demands of the modern business world. Professor Tripathi encouraged leaders to remain open-minded, ethical strategies to navigate the challenges of today’s world. Her presentation was a valuable guide for students and professionals, offering practical insights into how ethos can shape successful management in the era of technological innovation.
Every year, on September 21st, the world comes together to observe World Alzheimer’s Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for around 60-70% of cases globally. As the disease progresses, individuals may lose the ability to carry out everyday activities, leading to a significant emotional and physical toll on both patients and caregivers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and this number is expected to rise significantly due to increasing life expectancy and ageing populations. This year’s focus, under the theme “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s,” emphasizes the importance of understanding dementia, early detection, and the role of support in improving the lives of those affected.
On this day, our college took a unique approach to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. The Movie Club made the occasion particularly memorable by screening the short film ‘Innalayolam’, directed by one of our faculty Mr. Krishnabhaskar Mangalesserri, Professor, Department of Marketing. The film poignantly captures the journey of an elderly mother suffering from Alzheimer’s and the emotional toll it takes on her son, a busy professional who initially ignored about her condition. As the film progresses, the son slowly realizes the intensity of his mother’s situation, showcasing the deep impact that Alzheimer’s can have on families.
The screening was an emotional experience for every one of us. Watching the struggles of the characters on screen gave us a new level of understanding of Alzheimer’s, that many might not be familiar with in depth. The film’s depiction of the mother’s gradual cognitive decline and the son’s eventual emotional awakening impacted in heartfelt discussions about the challenges faced by Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. The event helped to create more empathy and awareness among all of us, as the visual storytelling in ‘Innalayolam’ offered a powerful insight into the emotional complexities of dealing with Alzheimer’s. The impact of the film left everyone deeply moved, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and supporting those living with this condition, as well as their families.
Hello everyone! I am Niranjana Raj; I welcome you to my very first blog. As a first-year PGDM student at SCMS, I am so excited to share with you all the amazing experiences I have been going through the past 1 week which is none other than the personal development program (PDP). It was truly a transformative experience for me and for others as well by discovering our inner self and unlocking our true potential. Now like a meditation let’s dive into what makes the PDP sessions such an amazing thrilling experience at SCMS.
As I mentioned above as a management student at SCMS, not just for me but everyone will agree that education is not just about textbooks, lectures, or exams. It’s more than that. It’s about growing as individuals, shaping our personalities, and preparing ourselves for the outside world that awaits us in few years with all the challenges that lie ahead with it. The development of such skills is where the personal development program comes in.
PDP was not just some course or module we finished in the past week, but it was an experience that I have not had in my life. It helped me by giving me strengths, working on my weaknesses, and building my skills not just in my academics but also for my future self in the corporate world. PDP also helped me come out of my comfort zone by conducting different activities and fun sessions which not only encouraged me but also others to come out from their comfort zone as well. Through all these activities we learned to develop ourselves and prepared our mindset for the outside world after the PGDM course at SCMS.
To add on to the PDP session which helped in tailoring each one of us for our amazing journey for the future, whether that journey will be in public speaking, leadership skills, time management skills, etc. This program helped me a lot and gave me the idea on how to develop myself on an overall basis. And do you want to know what is the best part of this? As I mentioned above it’s not just about learning, it’s more about applying the things we learn and putting them in our real-life scenarios. I could see the positive changes that were happening to me each throughout the week. PDP is something that has helped me become more confident in what I say or do, making me more focus or concentrate properly on something I want. So, through all these qualities that I got from the PDP session, without any doubt, this will help me not just in my career path but also in my life.
To conclude let me say from the bottom of my heart that the PDP program at SCMS is not just some addition to our academics but is also a real vital part of our journey to become successful individuals. So, to my dear friends who were with me in the PDP session, I encourage everyone to grab each opportunity that comes to you and participate in it actively and make it memorable.
Now before I go let me end with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson who says, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
So, until next time, adios keep growing and keep moving forward.
Hey everyone! I am Vijai Bhaskar Pradip, back with another blog, and this one holds a special place in my heart. Today, I write about a day that fills our hearts with pride and joy—August 15th, India’s Independence Day.
August 15th is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a day that brings a surge of patriotism to all Indians as we mark our 78th Independence Day. This day, we cherish the freedom we enjoy today, a freedom hard-won by our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and dreamed of a liberated India. As we reflect on our journey from colonial rule to the dawn of independence in 1947, we recognize the strides we’ve made in growth, transformation, and our aspirations for the future.
When we hoist the tricolor and sing our national anthem, Indians worldwide are reminded of the unity, diversity, and resilience that define our nation. Independence Day is not just about celebrating our freedom but also about remembering the heroes like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel, alongside the countless unsung heroes whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the privileges we enjoy today. Their legacy is a constant reminder that the freedom we cherish came at a great cost.
This day also calls us to stand together and contribute to the nation’s growth. It is our responsibility as citizens to do so, because every small effort counts in building a better India. By contributing to our nation’s progress, whether in small or significant ways, we pledge to work towards a brighter and better India, where everyone can thrive.
Speaking of a better tomorrow, I am reminded of a profound line by the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” This Independence Day, let us strive to be responsible citizens who contribute positively to our country’s growth and development.
As we look ahead to 2024, we are inspired by the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”—a developed India. This concept represents our collective aspiration to elevate our nation to new heights of prosperity, innovation, and social well-being. A Viksit Bharat is one where our infrastructure is world-class, our economy robust, our education system empowering, and our technological advancements at the forefront of global progress. It’s about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the nation’s growth.
As we approach August 15th, the 78th Independence Day of India, let us celebrate the freedom we enjoy and honor the legacy of those who fought for it. Let this day remind us to carry forward the spirit of unity, responsibility, and ambition, as we work together towards realizing the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2024.
To conclude, I leave you with a powerful quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “Freedom is never dear at any price.” I hope this blog fills you with the same pride and hope that Independence Day brings to all of us. Jai Hind!
-An article by Mr. Vijay Bhaskar Pradip, PGDM Batch 33
Ashwin woke up to the news of his classmate Vishal’s death. Even while attending Vishal’s last rites at his house, Ashwin was in a state of numbness. He overheard people talking and learned that it was a case of suicide. No matter how much Ashwin thought about it, he couldn’t understand what problems Vishal might have had that drove him to embrace death. His father and siblings were devastated… his mother was crying uncontrollably… even his closest friends were confused and distressed, not knowing the reason behind Vishal’s decision to end his life.
What could have led him to such an extreme step? How intense must the mental turmoil have been at that moment? Wouldn’t Vishal have wished for someone to talk to or to listen to him in that crucial moment? Could it be that he felt so unheard and misunderstood that he chose suicide? Had his friends and family failed to understand him?
Vishal turned into an unresolved pain, leaving behind many unanswered questions…
Are people forgetting to communicate with each other today? Everyone seems to be withdrawing into themselves… Humans have changed to the extent that they can no longer read even their closest friend’s mind. As they create their own worlds, there is something they forget—around us, there might be someone wishing for just one person to listen to them. A single word from us… or even our mere presence might bring them comfort.
There’s only one life, isn’t there? Have you ever thought about smiling from the heart? Or about simply listening to someone? It won’t cost us anything. Let’s try to ensure that there is never another Vishal…
Open up and talk… smile from the heart… half of the problems might be solved right there…
Hey everyone! I’m Vijai Bhaskar Pradip. I am back with another blog post on International Friendship Day celebrated on the 30th of July 2024. Through this post, I want to tell you about the bond me and my friends share at SCMS.
So, let me start by asking you, what are your thoughts on friendship? Now, let me share what friendship means to me. To me, friends are like family. They are there for me in times of joy and sorrow, always ready to lend me a hand. As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” In friendship, there will always be ups and downs, but true friends stand by us through thick and thin. They support and motivate us, helping us to achieve our goals and reminding us that we are never alone on our journey. Another important thing is that friendship will always be the backbone of our college and school life.
My life at SCMS has just begun. Within a span of just one month, I have found friends who I am sure will last a lifetime. For many people, including me, coming to college or a new environment where we get a lot of assignments, workloads, and lectures can be challenging. But with the right friends on our side, we can overcome these hurdles in life. This is just the foundation of creating friendships; in the coming years, we might face bigger hurdles and problems that will test the bond of friendship and how long-lasting it will be.
Friendship can’t be categorized by distance; if your friendship is real, then no one can break it. Friendship is not just having someone to hang out with, it’s more than that. It’s about supporting each other, understanding, and growing up together by sharing our knowledge. Through all this, friends become our confidants for marching forward in life, our cheerleaders when we feel low on energy while working, and our partners in life who will never break apart. Friends are the people who turn each day into extraordinary memories.
It’s always great to find new people in life and increase the number of those who will stay forever. There are many special days in a year, but Friendship Day is a day that shows the value and love of what friendship is all about for everyone around the world. Friendship is not just about one special day; if your friendship is true, then every day is Friendship Day. Through friends, we can learn and share different experiences.
As a first-year management student at SCMS, every day brings new people to meet. Through meeting and interacting with them, and making bonds during group activities, study sessions, and lunch breaks, these are the moments we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Friendship teaches us to cherish these memories and moments and nurture them forever.
To all my friends who celebrate International Friendship Day around the world, keep that bond and never let it go. See your friends as your own family and never let go of these moments; nurture them forever in your life, no matter what happens.
Finally, before wrapping up my blog, let me end it with a beautiful quote from Helen Keller: “I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.”
– A Report by Mr. Vijai Bhaskar Pradip, (PGDM Batch – 33)
Jamboree! We’re still buzzing from the electrifying energy of Shikhar 2024, our college’s prestigious International Management Fest! Held on February 22nd and 23rd, the event was a whirlwind of competition, camaraderie, and showcasing some serious managerial talent. This year, Shikhar went bigger and bolder than ever before. Over 500 participants from more than 30 top institutions across the country descended upon our campus, ready to put their skills to the test. With an impressive line up of 15 events, there was something for everyone.
The Adrenaline Rush
The ever-popular “Best Manager” competition had everyone on the edge of their seats. Witnessing the strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and leadership prowess of these future business leaders was truly inspiring. For those who thrive in teamwork, the “Best Management Team” event brought out the power of collaboration. Witnessing teams strategize, problem-solve, and outmanoeuvre each other was a testament to the importance of a strong team dynamic.
Beyond the Boardroom
Shikhar wasn’t just about crunching numbers and crafting presentations. The thrilling 3×3 Football tournament brought out the competitive spirit on the field, while the strategic IPL Auction tested participants’ negotiation and market analysis skills.
A Showcase of Creativity
The fest also provided a platform for students to showcase their creative flair. The Ideathon challenged participants to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems. The Mobile Photography competition captured the essence of the event through a visual lens, while the Group Dance and Spot Dance competitions brought vibrant energy to the stage.
More Than Just a Competition
Shikhar wasn’t just about winning trophies. It was about fostering connections, building networks, and forging lifelong friendships. The vibrant atmosphere on campus allowed participants to interact with their peers, learn from each other, and share their passion for management.
A Memorable Success
Shikhar 2024 was a resounding success! We at SCMS Group of Institutions are incredibly proud to have hosted such a prestigious event. A big thank you goes out to all the participants, volunteers, organizers, and sponsors who made this event possible.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Shikhar! Until next year, stay tuned, keep learning, and keep innovating!
-Report by Aakash K S & Elna Elizabeth John, PGDM Batch 32.