Have you ever participated in those endless, supposedly intellectual discussions which intend to answer:
"Is life really worth the struggle?" or
"What is Happyness (as in 'The Pursuit of Happyness')?" or
"Is money everything in life?"
Have you ever wanted to crib about people? Did you ever want to change things that you know you cannot?
If not... Hats off to you, Sir/ Maam... You are a rarity!!
If yes... Well, you belong to the most populous species on earth.
Before we lose your attention, let's come to the point...
The intensity of academics, the yoke of expectations and the intriguing nature of relationships; it all confronts you on the face. It make you dig deeper, while you are already in a hole. Questions like...
"Is the purpose of my presence here being solved?" or
"Was I more capable before than I am now?" or
"Were those achievements of past, all a delusion?"... find no answers. Do the answers really exist?
Let's talk about it...
The campus buddy network (CBN) at IIM-A is an initiative where a group of students (referred to as 'BUDDIES') voluntary decided to create a forum where they can discuss and share daily life concerns, dilemmas, realizations with fellow students. A forum where one be sure of not being judged; a forum which allows you to crib if you want to and a forum that comprises people of similar background, intellect and purpose.
The CBN is certainly not a counselling centre for the simple reason that 'it cannot be'. The concept of CBN was built on the premise of addressing the need of students to talk about performance (academic and non-academic), relationships, family matters etc...
In order to be able to deal with such personal and sensitive issues, the buddies have been through a formal, relevant training workshop where they learnt the skills of patient listening, being non-judgemental and maintaining confidentiality. Its not about giving an advice, its about confirming once feelings (say, with a friend that you trust). This network will enable the students to call up, to chat with or to meet any of the buddies whenever necessary (A detailed information about the buddies and their profiles are provided in the link below). Kindly approach anyone of us whenever you think we can be of help. Let us make the campus life more inclusive, happy and healthy.
