Party time at IIM-A

Dholakia to throw dinner party; staff, students revel

Thrilled by the surge in salaries offered to alumni at Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), its director Bakul Dholakia has decided to throw a party next week.

"Yes, there will be a party to celebrate the occasion. The dinner will be hosted by the Director's office. We are working on a date next week. The entire placement process would be over only on Monday," said a visibly happy Dholakia.

Indira Parikh, the dean of the institute, who is also co-ordinator for an executive programme to be held at Cairo from this May, will also take part in the dinner.

A group of students of IIM-A have decided to book half of Fun Republic, one of the popular multiplexes in the town, to celebrate.

A senior faculty member who did not want to be identified said: "It is party time for all of us here as corporates from across the globe have shown confidence on our students. The response has been particularly overwhelming this year."

Ravi Singhvi, a student of the Post-Graduate Programme (PGP) at IIM-A, has bagged highest ever salary for an IIM graduate. He has secured a $1.52 lakh pay package for lateral hire with Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), London, during 'zero day' of the ongoing placement process.

"I am too happy with the offer. It is essentially because of my previous experience with Arthur Anderson that I have been offered such a whooping salary," said Singhvi.

His batchmates, Yugandhar and Gourav sounded emotional but cautious while interacting with the mediapersons.

"It is a great moment for us. We have once again proved the superiority of the Institute among all such entities in the country," said one of the students who has bagged highest domestic salary offer.

Another student, who has secured an overseas placement offer of around Rs 54 lakh of annual salary, said: "I have spent over Rs 5000 since Tuesday calling all my friends across the country. The rest of the celebration would take place at my home town."