The Big Five of Life

On 13th September 2025, the School of Business and Management (BBA), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized an engaging alumni interaction session for the first-year students. The event, titled “The Big Five of Life”, was conducted at the Management Block Auditorium and featured Ms. Varada Kapoor, a distinguished alumna from the 2022 Batch of BBA, who is now working in the Risk and Control domain at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The session was designed as a capacity-building initiative with a focus on developing soft skills and providing students with practical guidance for their academic and professional journey.

The central objective of the session was to offer students a deeper understanding of how experiences at CHRIST, both inside and outside the classroom, contribute to shaping holistic growth. Alumni interactions are an important tradition at CHRIST University, as they create a bridge between the current students and those who have successfully transitioned into the professional world. Ms. Kapoor, with her diverse leadership experiences during her college years, was an apt choice to guide first-year students in understanding how to make the most of their time at the University.

In her talk, Ms. Kapoor reflected on her transformative journey at CHRIST. She recalled how academic learning was only one part of her development, while active involvement in co-curricular activities and student associations provided her with opportunities to grow as a leader and communicator. She specifically highlighted her leadership role as a Senior Student Representative of the Christ University School of Business and Management Association (CUSBMA) and her experience as Secretary General of Melange, the department’s flagship Model United Nations conference. Through these roles, she gained valuable skills in event management, teamwork, time management, and adaptability, which became stepping stones for her career.

The session revolved around her theme “The Big Five of Life”, where she emphasized five core lessons: leadership, communication, adaptability, teamwork, and self-awareness. She reminded students that leadership is not about authority but about motivating and guiding others, while communication is the cornerstone of effective collaboration. Adaptability and resilience, she explained, are crucial in navigating the challenges of both academic and professional life. By sharing personal anecdotes, she made these lessons relatable and inspiring for the audience.

A unique feature of the event was the interactive exercise introduced by Ms. Kapoor, where Class Representatives (CRs) from each section of the first-year batch shared their thoughts on what they loved about their CHRIST journey so far and the challenges they faced. This activity gave students a voice, encouraged reflection, and created a sense of inclusivity and belonging. It also allowed faculty to gain valuable insights into the early experiences of students, helping them understand how to better support their academic and personal growth.

The session concluded with students feeling motivated and empowered to take charge of their university experience. They were encouraged to actively participate in the vibrant campus culture, seize leadership opportunities, and build strong networks. The alumni interaction highlighted how every opportunity at CHRIST—whether academic or extracurricular—serves as a foundation for future success. The Big Five of Life session was an enriching experience that successfully met its objectives. It provided students with practical life lessons, enhanced their awareness of the importance of soft skills, and strengthened the connection between alumni and the student community. The department’s initiative to organize such sessions reflects its commitment to fostering holistic student development and preparing graduates for both academic excellence and professional success.