The campus isn?t the institute?s only unique aspect, though. Since its inception, BIM?s philosophy of imparting education has been different from most other B-schools. Its founder, Bharatratna Dr C. Subramaniam, believed that just as a medical college couldn?t function effectively without being attached to a hospital, a management institute had to be associated with an industry to perform to potential. Thus, BIM Trichy was born in 1984, in collaboration with one of the largest industries of modern India ? Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (Bhel).

BIM attempts to impart value-based management education ? evident in the list of courses offered on Indian ethos and culture. In fact, one of BIM?s prime achievements has been the juxtaposition of modern education methods with respect for the Indian value system.

Learning canvas

The institute has 240 students representing nearly all the states in the country. It has a cosmopolitan milieu that encourages them to be more open to new ways of doing things. This makes them more open to differences and adaptable to change. The training module incorporates case studies, project work, discussions and presentations, apart from classroom teaching. ?I made a great decision when I chose BIM. I grew as a future leader and as a friend. I am proud of myself for the decision I made, and for the person that I have grown to be, thanks largely to BIM,? says T. Chandra Mohan, CEO, Bharat Planet Consulting.

Students are also expected to be members of various committees, for example, Bismarc (marketing club), Zetetica (HR club), Finclub (finance club), Syscom (systems club) and so on. As members of these committees, students play a significant role in running the institute themselves. The committees also act as crucible organisations where students can experiment with their ideas. The whole system at BIM is designed to enable students to develop themselves as leaders. This is why BIM offers just one MBA course which, it feels, is sufficient to cater to the needs of any function ? be it marketing, finance, human resources or systems.

Industry interface

The institute benefits from extensive support from the corporate world. It is visited by more than 100 senior managers every year who frequently interact with students and give them practical inputs related to their subjects. The institute also believes in exploring inter?disciplinary space. Management lessons are often derived from subjects like history, English literature, Aesop?s Fables, the Vedas, the Upanishads, etc.

Life on campus is fun though the students have to do without the advantages of living in a metro. There are no discos or multiplexes to rev up the weekends, but students can still let their hair down. There are musical evenings and fests. Students hold an annual dinner party for the alumni, which is a grand occasion. And then, of course, there are the management meets that lead to interaction amongst various management schools.

Popularly known as ?ManMeets?, such conclaves are an opportunity for bright young students to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the country. The participating students also get to hear and interact with eminent personalities in the field of management. BIM?s ?Sanjeevani? is considered to be among the most innovative of such meets in the country.

Low brand value

What BIM still lacks is brand value. It is hardly known outside south India despite being highly rated. Students often find it difficult to compete with their counterparts from better known institutes. Campus placement was initially a problem as well due to the institute?s remote location. But things have improved over the last two years and BIM students are now finding life, both within and outside the campus, a lot easier.

ABHISHEK KUMAR