‘Every time I pass this school, nostalgia kicks in’

Almost all of us have fond memories from our school days. Be it having fun in the class or celebrating the fact that a test got canceled for which you were not prepared due to a guest lecture in the auditorium. We also remember our teachers who have left a lasting impact on us and the lessons that taught us; not just imparted subject knowledge but life skills that are extremely important in this day and age.

Some of you may have even gone back to school, met the teachers reminisced about the carefree days or the time spent preparing for the annual function and enjoying every minute of it. Meet Nipun Taneja, alumnus of Apeejay School, Noida.  

In a candid interview, he talks about his school days among other things.

Tell us about yourself. What is a typical day like for you?

I’m at present, in Mumbai and working at Paytm as the regional manager for the West region. My role involves digitising travel transactions like metro and bus tickets, across West India in all cities. I ensure all ticketing occurs digitally through various means like QR codes and national common mobility cards. For example, if a person had to travel by metro, he/she would typically go to the counter and buy a ticket by giving cash. My work is to convert this entire transaction into a digital medium. In other words, the delivery of money is digital and so is the delivery of the product, in this case, the ticket.

This means that the digital medium is either via QR Code or National Common Mobility Cards. All this happens through the Paytm app and the other involves issuing physical National Common Mobility Cards. While the QR Code is generated within the app.

How do you address challenges or it is easier now since people are a bit tech-savvy?

Yes, tech advancement has made it easy. Adoption of digitisation across the country for all verticals – be it buying vegetables from the vendor to traveling – is ingrained in most of us. So my work to a certain extent has become easier. But there are challenges as well. We are a privileged few since we live in the metro cities. But this is not the case with everyone. Familiarity with the product, the delivery of the product, and how it eases daily commute is still a challenge.

No matter how much we adopt technology, given the scale and size of our population, there is a large part of society that is still left untouched.

Cybersecurity and cyber fraud are major concerns. Is this a major concern as well?

In the last few years, cybersecurity and cyber fraud have become a cause of concern. But this is where our brand name – Paytm – stands out. It is a trusted brand name and that helps alleviate worries. People trust the Paytm app, making it a safer option for digital transactions.

Can you share some memories from your school days?

I graduated in 2008 and spent 13-14 years at Apeejay School, Noida. I cherish the memories, made lifelong friends, and have stayed in touch with many teachers. A majority of them have either retired or left but I am still in touch with some of them. My parents live in Noida, so whenever, I pass by my school that nostalgic factor always kicks in. The school played a significant role in shaping who I am today.

When I was in school, I participated in vocal music and singing during morning prayers and annual day functions. One vivid memory is performing at the newly constructed auditorium for a two-day annual event. There are so many memories associated with the school and I can go on and on about it.

---

Even though it has been years since I passed out, whenever, I hear the name of Apeejay, irrespective of which branch of school they studied, I connect with them very fast

–Nipun Taneja, Alumnus of Apeejay School, Noida

---

Is music still a part of your life?

Not as much. I realised I’m better at group singing than individually.

How important was your school in shaping your future?

Even though it has been years since I passed out, whenever, I hear the name of Apeejay, irrespective of which branch of school they studied, I connect with them very fast. From the middle-class family in which I grew up to where I am today, for both my sister and I, this school has played a huge role in our lives.

I believe that had it not been for Apeejay, I would not be where I am today.

Take us through your professional journey.

After school, I joined Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s College of Engineering and Technology, Noida. I did my BTech in Electronics and Tele Communications. Got placed in a company in Uflex and worked there for a few months. I then decided to do my MBA and side-by-side worked with India TV and Mahuaa TV. After my MBA, I got placed with Emami. I moved to Mumbai and joined Oyo. I moved to Square Yards and was the regional manager. Finally, I joined Paytm in 2022.

Usually, it doesn’t look good if you change jobs frequently. What is your take?

I don’t believe that there is anything wrong with job hopping. As long as there are people out there to hire you at higher pay with better prospects, it is perfectly fine to change your job. Job hopping was looked down upon a few decades back but not today. This is because opportunities were limited. The younger generation has more options since we are selling our services. If there is a buyer in the market why not sell your services?

How does one sell your services?

Exaggeration to a certain extent is fine and everyone does it today. But don’t fake it to the extent where you can get caught not knowing anything. Remember, building credibility in the market takes time, losing it takes seconds.

Advice to Apeejayites on how to walk the professional life.

I always tell people to pick up what you don’t like. Sometimes, you end up working in an area that you are not comfortable with. Don’t take an instant like or dislike for a job or force yourself to like something. Let things come naturally to you and you will find your calling.