By- Deepak Rai
(Class of 1999-2001)
Co-Founder & CEO, PulsePlay Digital Private Limited
www.pulseplaydigital.com | Dharamshala | Himachal Pradesh
The first-ever job I got was that of a martial arts teacher for Rs. 25 per month while I was still studying in 12th Standard and assisting my Martial Arts Teacher – Mr. Ashok Golani in Pune.
Memories about Bala Sir
Bala Sir picked up a boy from the streets of Pune and provided full scholarship and mentorship in 1999-2001. This transformed that boy’s and his family’s life. That boy is me. More on this story some other day.
As a lifelong student of Honorable & Beloved Bala Sir, I was fortunate to be in the very first batch that Bala Sir had started back in 1999. I saw him up-close and in-person living life and building the Institute on the principles of Discipline, Dedication and Determination.
In modern parlance, bootstrapped. I later got to know about his greatness when a few of my own batchmates from 1999-2001 told me that beloved Bala Sir gave them scholarships as well. This was the very first batch when I reflect back -those days without any capital backing, inventing ingenious ways – bootstrapped – Bala Sir single-handedly built the Institute.
Bala Sir was driven by Purpose, Promise, Performance and Practice.
Bala Sir’s Principles:
Purpose: We build Corporate Careers. Yes, we build the Future.
Promise: Give me 2 years. I’ll give you 40 years.
Performance: Produce Gold. It will be Sold.
Practice: Take care of your Parents. They are your living Gods.
Campus Placement:
TATA Technologies, Pune was the first corporate job I got placed from the campus.
Career Highlights:
Worked and lived in States for a decade working with companies like IBM, Deloitte, KPMG and there after 8 years in Dubai working with Al-Futtaim Group in various positions including consulting roles across Digital, Strategy, Ad Tech, Mar Tech, and CDP. I attribute the career journey from campus to corporate to beloved Bala Sir and our alma mater.
Message to current students of SBUP:
Network and speak to every batch mate of yours. Know their personal journeys. Get your individual digital brand and presence in order. Make the most of these 2 years at SBUP.
Message to MBA applicants looking to apply at SBUP:
SBUP has been built on the principles of Discipline, Dedication and Determination. Figure out your dreams and goals in life and find out how SBUP can help you achieve them by providing you the training, exposure on building and managing brands, businesses and careers.
Message to Alumni Friends / Faculty
Let’s catch up soon at our SBUP Alumni Meets. Stay safe and healthy.
