For countless students, securing a seat at a top-tier management institute like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) represents the final reward for years of hard work. However, for a significant and inspiring group at IIM Ranchi, their most critical lessons in management and leadership were learned not within campus walls, but during arduous personal journeys defined by immense courage and unyielding resilience.
Stories of Unbreakable Spirit
These remarkable students, who form approximately 10% of the first-year MBA batch (2025-27) at IIM Ranchi, recently shared the formidable obstacles they had to clear long before entering the prestigious institution. Their paths were shaped by physical limitations, but never by a limitation of spirit.
Aadesh Godke grew up with restricted mobility, which led to periods of both physical confinement and emotional isolation. He revealed that a childhood filled with difficulty slowly transformed into a fierce determination to succeed. During challenging health periods, he found solace in Hindustani classical music, dedicating himself to the art so completely that he eventually achieved the esteemed Visharad degree.
Defying Expectations at Every Turn
Abhishek Iyengar was diagnosed with a serious bone-growth disorder before he was even born, resulting in a height of three feet. Yet, he never allowed this to define the scope of his ambitions. Abhishek consistently surpassed expectations by training in karate, attending mainstream schools, and achieving academic excellence. He credits his dream of a career in finance for his mindset, firmly believing that limitations exist only in the mind.
For Javed Khan, a life-altering challenge came at the young age of ten when a train accident led to the loss of his right arm and leg. With the aid of a prosthetic Jaipur Foot, Khan did not just relearn to walk; he embraced life with a newfound fearlessness. He actively pursued sports, adventure activities, education, and corporate work, refusing to let the accident dictate his future.
Finding Strength in Support and Creativity
Vinayak Rajshekhar, hailing from Odisha, faced progressive hearing and speech loss during his college years. Adapting to this new reality was daunting, but with the support of high-frequency hearing aids and his family's steadfast encouragement, he met each challenge head-on, emerging with stronger resolve.
Narasimhan Jayaram was born with leg deformities and later diagnosed with complex spinal and neurological issues, placing him in a precarious health situation. He channeled his experiences into creativity, studying commerce and cultivating a passion for filmmaking. Remarkably, he directed Telugu short films while continuously navigating his physical challenges.
The collective narrative of these students at IIM Ranchi goes far beyond academic admission. It is a powerful testament to human endurance and the transformative power of perseverance. Their presence enriches the campus, offering profound lessons in resilience that will undoubtedly shape them into exceptional leaders of tomorrow.
