The jouney relived

My ENACTUS journey started way back in 2011, when it used to be SIFE. It was August 27th, my third day in college. We were sitting in the classroom when two guys entered the classroom. One was the President and other Vice President. The president announced that SIFE is a business organization which was recruiting students for whom it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I had never had the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities in my school, so I decided that I am going to give a go to whatever comes my way. Having a natural affinity to business, the idea of applying for it immediately struck my little grey cells. The interview was scheduled at 4pm in the evening on the same day.

As these were our first few days, our seniors used to come to our class for introductions and interact with us which was the so called 'ragging'. I was just about to go for my interview when the  'PROMOTERS' of SIFE came and asked me for my introduction. Since I was visibly in a hurry, I was questioned as to where I was going. When told about the interview, I could see a sudden spark in their eyes. One of them asked me to count the leaves on a nearby tree and others also demanded a few tasks. They left no stone unturned to make sure that my interview was missed. Now you know what I meant by ‘promoters’. So my only chance was wasted and the next day a list came which had names 8 of my batch-mates who had aced the interview. I was extremely dejected and angry at these so called promoters.

Luckily I heard that SIFE is reconsidering recruiting a few students, so there was another chance which I grabbed. I was asked a few simple questions on my qualities, as to why I wanted to join SIFE, would I be able to devote the time it wanted. I cleared the interview and so did the other three who applied for it.

This was just the beginning. My journey in SIFE (now Enactus) has been equally eventful. It was full of emotions, energy, discovery, fights (mostly constructive :P). I discovered a whole new enthusiasm in me which helped me decide my carrier path as well. But if I am asked about the best 3 things I got from Enactus, I would say friends, family and the skill to manage them. A major part of the journey was nurtured by my Enactus mother and Faculty Advisor Professor Seema Kapoor, my Enactus seniors and brothers Saurabh and Deepak, a big bunch of loving juniors and in the latter part my Enactus Daughters.

Quickly I would share with you a few instances which have stayed with me in my memory and would remain so for a long time ahead.
1.) Sleepless night at railway station with Yogesh Sir to book Tatkal tickets to Mumbai for nationals.

2.) Declaration of our team as the winners of Unilever champion in the North region and first place in the regionals in 2012.

3.) The final presentation in 2014 finals among top 3 teams of India, amidst a crowd of 800 students, business and academic leaders.

4.) The series of record breaking grants that were won by our team in Nationals 2014.

Only an Enactian can express the energy and feeling when his/her team is called upon stage for a prize.

Though I have exceeded the space that was allotted to me, but this journey would be incomplete if I fail to highlight what I learnt from Enactus. Some of the key points are:

1.) Rather than fighting with your colleagues on an issue, tell them calmly where you feel they are going wrong. It will give them time and strength to work on it. Ultimately you have to realize that nobody is doing any harm intentionally. Discussing matters helps us become a better person and at the same time you will learn the art of self control and grow as a team player.
2.) Ethics is most important trait in a team. You might be tempted to fudge your reports and work to win in the short run, but in the long run it will only add to your guilt and inability.
3.) Become equalitarian. Treat each one equally, free from any kind of biased opinion. Your prejudices at times will tell you that he/she is not worth it, but don't let these opinions overcome your judgment. See that all people are in a position which will help them to add value to the team and themselves. Your ultimate goal is to take your team forward.
4.) Resources are always available, you just have to have the eyes to see them, the energy to tap them and the will to increase them .A simple analogy would sum it up:
'Resources might not grow on trees, but you will always have the right seeds. Make the environment conducive to grow the plant. Nature will nourish it with water and finally a resource tree would grow from this accumulated effort.’
5.) Last and the most important- you are living in a modern world. The society that you live in, the team in which you work respects the PACE at which you deliver to its need.

Don't wait- have a go at everything, change your perceptions about limits, challenge everyone, everything with grace. If you have the grace you can deliver 48 hours in a day, just see yourself that way. If you are able to do this then SKY IS THE LIMIT!
Lastly folks, even I were to write a book on my Enactus Journey, I would still say that the space is not enough.
Thank you everyone for this wonderful journey.

-GAURAV GUPTA

(BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD)