‘If one doesn’t pass with flying colours, it’s not the end of the world’

Abhishekh Konwar works at Reliance Retail as the Cluster Category Manager handling the Mumbai division. The Apeejay Kharghar alumnus was the part of the first batch of students to have completed the secondary and senior secondary classes. He then went on to pursue mechanical engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka and MBA from ITM Business School in Kharghar. Before joining Reliance, Abhishekh has worked with companies such as HDFC Bank, Zomato, among other leading names. In a wide ranging interview, he advises students that academic progress is important but so is socialising and forming strong friendships. Edited excerpts: 

What does a day at the office look like?

Well, I am in charge of all the outlets that are dealing in electronics, mobile and computer systems in the city of Mumbai. We are also working on an e- commerce site for Reliance Retail. Reliance bought Just Dial last year and so, we are developing an e-commerce site which will ensure one day delivery. I am the cluster manager of the same project. I have a team of fifty people reporting to me. They handle all electronic, mobile and computer system dealers in Mumbai.

What was the inspiration to join this field?

I always wanted to join a line where my decisions and work makes a difference in the product line. This role in which I am working or in my previous roles as well, I have been handling an area or a product where my final decisions make it or break it. I like this! It’s because it keeps me on my toes all the time. I have to think 2-3 times before making a decision. With God’s grace I have made good decisions so far.

What are your best memories from your school days?

I was the Vice-Prefect of Sapphire house at school. We used to have a lot of fun outside the class. We were the senior most batch in the school and the teachers loved us a lot. It was a love-hate relationship actually, since we used to spend a lot of time at the playground (laughs). Recently, I went to the school and hardly any of our teachers were there. I met Mr. Alok Katghare sir, the former principal. I was his favourite student. He was very strict with me back then. But I now realise that he is the reason behind me doing so well in my life.  

What life lessons would you like to give to a current student at Apeejay Kharghar?

I would say, don’t lose out on the joys of life by just studying because there is a limit till where the bookish knowledge can get you. It is important but socialising, making great friends from these years of life is also very important. To those giving the class 10 and 12 board exams, just don’t over exert yourself because you feel unprepared. Everyone goes through the same emotions. Everyone thinks they are not doing great but end up passing with flying colours. And if not, then remember it’s not the end of the world.

What are your future targets?

As of now in professional terms, we are working on the launch of  the e-commerce platform. We want to plan a successful launch and make it one of the biggest e-commerce platforms. In personal terms, I recently got married and have bought a new house and so, we are making a home out of the house.

How did Apeejay Kharghar help you to be where you are today?

Apeejay Kharghar helped me build on my confidence in the formative years. I am very grateful that I met teachers and friends who helped me mould myself into a better person. I am grateful that those friends are still on the same path as mine. The teachers would straight away take action if you made a mistake, one would hate it back then but, it was all for our growth and improvement.