Project 5 - Your Body Speaks - "A Trip to Remember"

“What’s the big deal? Why are you so excited about it?” chirped my younger cousin as we strolled around the Qutub-Minar. With a smug expression on my face, I chose to ignore this question. Having just completed the class 10 board exams, I considered myself to be omniscient and even believed there might just be a halo around me. On a family vacation, we were presently in the capital city, New Delhi and the question was pertaining to our imminent visit to the next destination. Little did I know that the last leg of our vacation was going to teach me some valuable lessons – in management!

The destination in question is the city whose culture is rich with the Indian heritage, the city of grandeur in majestic marble. It is the place where stands the world-famous monument which is a testimony to immortal love – the city of Agra! But, it was not the Taj-Mahal that I was excited about! LESSON No 1: Different stakeholders may have different interests in a project. All of fifteen years, I could hardly appreciate the ardent devotion and undying love that Emperor Shahjehan had for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. To me, they were nothing more than two characters out of my history textbook – a subject which I was never to read again in my life. Unlike my sister who’s an Architect, I was not even interested in the architectural marvel that the Taj-Mahal is! There was only one thing up my mind – IC2312!

The journey from Delhi to Agra was going to be my very first air travel! A short 40 minute journey by air, I had spent more than 40 days dreaming about it, ever since our tickets were booked. And there I was finally in Delhi, about to embark on one of my all-time memorable journeys. The journey actually began with a near disastrous mix-up between the Palam and Safdurjang Airports at Delhi. We eventually managed to reach the domestic airport after taking help from a local driver. LESSON No 2: Never underestimate the importance of domain knowledge. On reaching the Airport, we went through the baggage scan, check-in and security check routine and settled down in the waiting lounge. And that’s when the announcement was made: “Indian Airlines regrets to announce a two hour delay to its flight IC2312 from Delhi to Agra”. Oh no! What a waste of time! As soon as I exclaimed this, there was another announcement: “We request all our passengers travelling by IC2312 to proceed to the Taj cafeteria and enjoy the lunch, on the house”. Wow! Now that was a pleasant surprise! LESSON No 3: Don't let minor setbacks distress you as they may be blessings in disguise.

After a 90 minute long sumptuous lunch, the passengers were requested to board the aircraft. What followed were 40 magical minutes. Getting the window seat, the tangy tamarind toffees, the butterflies in my stomach as the flight took off, the cotton-ball like clouds at an altitude of 17000 feet, and finally the aerial view of Agra as we approached our destination. Each and every thing associated with my first flight travel was truly delightful! On reaching Agra, we immediately hired a taxi which took us through the meandering lanes of Agra city. As we reached the vicinity, I could see the imposing entrance, the well kept gardens and finally Magnum Opus ‘Taj-Mahal’ with its huge marble dome, the four minarets and the intricate carvings. Its sheer magnificence holds you spellbound. Its enormity leaves you speechless. And to think that I was least interested in visiting the Taj-Mahal! LESSON No 4: Do not cling to your pre-conceived notions. You might have to eat your words.

After some routine souvenir shopping, we decided to head back to Delhi. And now coming to the greatest irony of the whole trip – We had no bookings done for the return journey. LESSON No 5: For the success of any project, end-to-end planning is of utmost importance. After some last minute enquiries, we were advised to catch a bus to Delhi from the UP State Transport Bus Stand. Unfortunately, the only bus plying at that time was a shoddy looking, non-AC bus with rattling windows and dim, yellow lights. With no other option at hand, we decided to board the bus. In the flurry of sight-seeing and the subsequent hurry of catching the bus, we could not even manage to have dinner. The only eatables available with us in the journey were a bottle of ‘Fanta’ and a packet of ‘Kurkure’. Both the things, till date, remind me of that unsavory bus journey and I absolutely detest them.  

The arduous bus journey lasted over 6 hours and it was well past midnight when we reached Delhi. As compared to the earlier grueling drive, the taxi-ride to our hotel seemed akin to a luxurious cruise. As I tried to sleep that night, thoughts of the paradoxical day that I had spent clouded my mind. The preceding 24 hours were interspersed with many firsts. My first air travel, my first visit to Taj-Mahal and my first encounter with the management lessons! I also realized one important thing: You don’t have to be in a professional setup or in a MBA Institute to gain insights in effective management. Just observe the happenings around you and you might become a shade wiser! The last and most important lesson learnt management or not, was: All's well that ends well!