Blog

GAGAN

350 impressions. 200 acquaintances. 100 recalls. And 5 in a circle. Not because we’re isolated — far from it. We’re constantly meeting new people, networking, and making connections across our B-school.

But these 5… this circle… is different. It’s more like a family!

I’m Aviral, and this is the story of how a simple lunch at the ISB&M mess turned into something unforgettable.

It started on an ordinary afternoon. Gaurang and I were sitting together, enjoying our meal, when a boy we had never met before sat down next to us. Within a few minutes, he broke the silence, introduced himself, and before we knew it, we were making plans to trek the hill right behind our B-School. That’s how we met Geetesh.

A few days later, through a common friend, we met Nandini. And finally, there was Akshata, who joined us through Nandini — but funnily enough, she already recognized me from the day of the college addressal. I had been sitting right next to her.

That’s how GAGAN was born — a name that wasn’t the result of endless brainstorming, but simply the initials of Gaurang, Akshata, Geetesh, Aviral, and Nandini. A simple name, but to us, it symbolized something much greater: friendship, trust, and an unspoken bond. We all came from different cities, different educational backgrounds, and very different personalities. Some of us are reserved, some outspoken; some deeply analytical, others more spontaneous. What made this even more surprising is that we are not even from the same sections — yet somehow, we ended up being inseparable.

One of our most memorable adventures happened almost instantly after meeting — we went on a spontaneous drive across Pune, covering more than 120 km in a single day. We managed to return to campus just in time for the addressal, laughing all the way, only to later find ourselves doing assignments and studying together. And while we rarely studied for more than 20 minutes at a stretch, somehow, that always seemed to be enough.

At ISB&M, it’s not just about the education you receive; it’s about the people you meet, the experiences you share, and the memories you create.

From trekking hills to late-night study sessions, from shared laughter to shared deadlines, this group has been my constant in an ever-changing college life. Gaurang, the smartest in the class, always made sure we understood our assignments (even if we didn’t always give them our full attention). Geetesh, with his energy, pulled us into spontaneous adventures. Nandini kept the group grounded, and Akshata — who didn’t bring laughter like others — brought something just as valuable: sincerity to every gathering.

Looking back, I realize that friendships like this don’t just happen — they’re built in the small, everyday moments: a shared table in the mess, a casual conversation, an impulsive plan to explore.

Today, GAGAN isn’t just a group name. It’s a story I’ll carry with me long after I leave ISB&M. A reminder that college is about so much more than just lectures and grades — it’s about the bonds we form and the people who turn ordinary days into extraordinary memories. And to think, it all started with a simple lunch in the mess.

Written by: Aviral Singh

Batch 2025–27