GMBA – MGB “Success”

An article by Prajakta Talathi, GMBA Sep’13

It was 9.30 am on 14th September 2013, when strength of 83 students gathered in the Leadership Hall, completely clueless about the most exciting day ahead in their lives. We were addressed by Mr Albert and Mr Joshua, who were the co-ordinators for the Amazing Race. Mr Albert explained us our targets, rules and timelines and repeatedly asked us to ensure the safety of the individual as well as the group.

Figure 1: Group photograph of all the participating students

We had an “Amazing” Amazing Race arranged by SP Jain so that we get to know the city and each other very well in contrast to the normal way that would have been to sit in a bus and roam around the city, with a Tour Guide showing us around. But that is not what we at SP Jain do. We believe not in doing extraordinary things but in doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Prior to the beginning of our adventurous day, we had to jot down our expectations from this activity. Not one but all expected to enjoy the day to fullest, get to know the Singapore culture and people, show some team bonding and team spirit and last but not the least to win this game!

Figure 2: Food Republic

On our first day of orientation, we were told that we remember 90% of the things that we do. And so we set out on exploring the city on our own, of course the tasks and the challenges played an important role in channelizing us. Rather than the conventional group names like Group A, B, C and D, we instead had Group names like Amazing, Beautiful, Creative and Dynamic. True to the names, we all set out on a mission to accomplish the assigned tasks. To keep a check on our integrity, we were assigned Honest Leader, a leader from amongst our team, who ensured that we did not cheat and complete our tasks chronologically.

Figure 3: International Cuisines

Each team had 4 different places to explore: Chinatown, Raffles Place, Botanical Garden and Sentosa and 6 different tasks to perform. The first task required the team to use the MRT and public buses to reach the destination. It was followed by a task to get to know some insights about each team members’ lives. The next task involved the food challenge, where each team member had to try different types of cuisines like Local cuisine, Indian food, Muslim food, fruits and Western cuisines. To the at most surprise, we had to feed each other.

Figure 4: Bonding time

Post the wholesome meal, the teams were sent on a fast-paced hunt, as there were negative points for not reaching SP Jain campus by 1:50 PM. The tasks ranged from clicking pictures at the locations mentioned in the clues, to filling in blocked out words from the notice boards at the respective locations. Once all the tasks were completed, the teams were to rush back to the campus before time, to prevent the minus points. All teams had a fantabulous chance to explore many new places like Asian Civilization Museum, Fullerton Hotel, Marina Bay Place, Boat Quay which demonstrated the beautiful Singapore History and Culture and even more beautiful, the people of Singapore. Few teams found out the significance about Singapore flag and acquired the knowledge of Public Housing and HDB.

Figure 5: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Once the teams arrived back in SP Jain campus, they had to prepare a short presentation on the places that each team visited. Creative thoughts flowed through colours on the board and each team shared in pictures and words, the beauty of all the places. The team with the maximum points was the winner and was asked to cross in slow motion, a red ribbon finish line, similar to a real Olympic race. The atmosphere was filled with music and cheers from rest of the sporty participants. The teams checked if their expectations, which were jotted down at the beginning of the race, were met and Bingo! The returns of the day exceeded far from the expectations.

Figure 6: Winning team and prize distribution ceremony

After the prize distribution by Ms Mumtaz, the day concluded with the vote of thanks and few words of encouragement from Prof. John Davis, Ms Mumtaz Moiz and Ms Biraj Shah. The students of SP Jain, redefined the Law of Conversation of Energy; The energy can be created and passed on from one person to another during such wonderful activities. This day definitely can be called as “GMBA and MGB Success”.