IIM C grads flunk quiz on Bengal

Updated on: Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Product planning yes, but Singur doesn’t really ring a bell. Ambush marketing is a clever ploy in sports sponsorship, but what went wrong in Jangalmahal? Cost-containment is fair in times of recession but the Tatas surely didn’t pull out to save money. Or did they?

For the corporate brats-in-waiting, honing their skills in the taxing environs of one of India’s leading B-schools, the disconnect with the harsh realities of Bengal is quite disconcerting.

A group of around 70 students from IIM Calcutta took part in a quizcum-interactive session that tested their awareness of the state. The youngsters didn’t exactly come out with flying colours. In fact, the group scored an average of 3 out of 10 in a test that assessed their knowledge of contemporary Bengal. They averaged around 8 on management wisdom.

Most didn’t have a clue about the number of parliamentary or assembly seats in the state. Few knew where Singur was or how many districts the state had. Many seemed aware Golbari at Shyambazar was famous for its kosha mangsho but Hazaarduari drew a blank. So did Bhoomi.

Quizmaster Derek O’Brien, who conducted the session in his usual peppy, chirpy manner that left the students charmed, was not surprised. “These youngsters are brilliant students but tend to be cut off from the realities around them. This is not a fault on their part as long as they know they need to do better. They must realize that they should know what’s happening around them and the sooner they do it, the better,” said O’Brien.

Not that the students weren’t curious about contemporary Bengal. The first question thrown at O’Brien at the interactive session was what had prompted the Maoist uprising. (TNN)

IIM C grads flunk quiz on Bengal

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