THE CATALYST - Volume 04 | Issue 01

Operating Principle: |Read - Reflect - Respond|

THE CATALYST

“A fortnightly newsletter-cum-magazine, published as Odd and Even Issues, spotlighting the academic,
creative, and cultural life of IFIM College — featuring student voices, faculty insights, and campus highlights.”

IFIM College’s Biweekly Periodical | Since September 2024

Volume: 04 | Issue: 01

January Odd-numbered Issue

Coverage: 1-15 January 2026

 



Institute of Finance and International Management
Autonomous | Affiliated to Bangalore University
NAAC ‘A’ Grade

EDITORIAL ADVISOR

Dr A M SAKKTHIVEL

Principal

IFIM College

CHIEF EDITOR

Dr FREDRICK RUBAN A

Assistant Professor of English

Department of Languages

EDITOR

MOHAMMED ABUZER K

BCA (2024–27)

WRITER

INEYAA

BBA (2024–27)

REPORTER

JAYASHREE

BBA (2024–27)

DESIGNER

CHETHAN GOWDA

BBA (2025–28)

TECHNICAL TEAM

Bhuvan Aras

BCA (2023–26)

S Nagatushar

BCA (2023–26)

Vinarma Jayakaran R

BCA (2023–26)

CAMPUS INSIGHT

1. INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO BENGALURU MILK UNION LIMITED

On 5th January 2026, IFIM College organized an Industrial Visit to Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (BAMUL) for 48 BCom students. The visit was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. H. S. Gitanjali Shankarappa, Head of the Department of Commerce, along with Prof. Seshachalam Ananthasayanam, Faculty, Department of Commerce.

The main objective of the visit was to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial practices, especially in the dairy and food processing sector.

Students observed:
  • Automated cleaning systems used for milk tankers
  • Platform tests conducted to check milk freshness and fat content
  • The pasteurization process to ensure milk safety
  • High-speed machines that fill and seal milk packets without human contact

A key highlight of the visit was the Quality Control Laboratory, where students learned how milk and dairy products are tested for purity, bacteria, and chemical composition. The visit concluded with an understanding of the final laboratory approvals required before products are released into the market.

CAMPUS INSIGHT

The industrial visit provided the students with a comprehensive understanding of the operations within a modern dairy facility. They gained insights into advanced dairy technologies and contemporary processing methods that ensure large-scale, efficient production. The visit also impressed upon them the significance of maintaining strict hygiene standards and adhering to rigorous quality-control measures.

Students observed how surplus milk is strategically transformed into a range of profitable value-added products. Additionally, the high level of automation in the plant highlighted the precision and speed attainable in modern manufacturing environments. The role of laboratory testing emerged as another crucial component, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding public health and sustaining consumer trust in the brand.

CAMPUS INSIGHTS

2. BEYOND THE DEGREE: NAVIGATING YOUR POST-MBA CAREER

On 2nd January 2026 (Friday), IFIM College organized a career-focused session titled “Beyond the Degree: Navigating Your Post-MBA Career” at the IFIM campus. The session was attended by MBA PGCET 1st Semester, MBA 3rd Semester (HR), and MBA 4th Semester (HR) students. The session was led by Mr. Vivek Nair, Principal Human Resource Business Partner, Amazon Web Services, London. The event was moderated by Prof. Ramini Singh, Faculty – OB & HR.

The main objective of the session was to help students:

  • Clarify their short-term and long-term career goals
  • Understand the importance of skills beyond academic degrees
  • Prepare effectively for interviews
  • Build strong career strategies and future-ready mindsets
  • Stay motivated towards continuous professional growth
CAMPUS INSIGHTS

During the session, Mr. Vivek Nair shared practical insights from his professional journey and highlighted three key messages:

  1. Be true to yourself – stay focused, organized, and continuously enhance your talent
  2. Think big, be bold – aim high and confidently grab opportunities
  3. Stay curious – be open to learning and taking up new challenges

Through real-life examples and interactive discussions, the session helped students reflect on their post-MBA career paths and the realities of the professional world. 

The session concluded with students gaining clearer perspectives on their potential career growth after completing an MBA. They developed a strong understanding of how to prepare for skill-based interviews and felt motivated to embrace lifelong learning as a professional habit. The discussion also offered meaningful insights into various career pathways within the field of Human Resources, enabling students to better assess their interests and aspirations.

CAMPUS INSIGHTS

3. FUN FIESTA – KANYATHON CHARITY EVENT

On 13th January 2026, a vibrant Fun Fiesta was organized at the IFIM College Amphitheatre from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in support of the Kanyathon charity initiative. The event was handled by Anahad Kaur, Shweta Shekhar, Vikash, and Rishi, with active participation from students and faculty members. The fiesta began at 2:00 PM with colorful pop-up stalls offering food, beverages, and fun games.

Students sold items such as Pani Puri, Orange Juice, Samosas, Sandwiches, and Sodas. Game stalls included activities like Break the Pyramid, Throw a Ring, and Flip the Bottle, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere. All proceeds from the stalls were dedicated to the Kanyathon charity.

At 4:00 PM, the official Inauguration of Kanyathon took place with a banner drop, followed shortly by a lively flash mob performance by the Kanyathon Flash Mob Team. After the performances, faculty members and students joined in to enjoy the stalls, play games, and interact. A jamming session followed, where Priyanshu played the guitar, and students came together to sing and enjoy the moment. 

The event concluded with a music-filled evening around 6:00 PM, leaving everyone with memorable experiences. Overall, the Fun Fiesta was a successful and meaningful event, combining entertainment, community bonding, and social responsibility.

CAMPUS INSIGHTS

4. BFSI INTRODUCTION WORKSHOP

On 8th January 2026, IFIM College conducted a BFSI Introduction Workshop in the Auditorium for final-year BBA and BCom students, with 35 participants in attendance. The workshop was organized by the Placement Department in collaboration with the TNS Foundation. The main objective of the session was to create awareness about the free training program offered in BFSI, Power BI, and Soft Skills.

During the session, students were introduced to:
  • The structure and duration of the training program
  • The benefits of structured upskilling
  • Industry-recognized certification
  • Direct placement linkages associated with the program

The workshop helped students gain clarity on career opportunities in the BFSI sector and understand the importance of building industry-relevant skills alongside academics. It also allowed the Placement Department to assess student interest and readiness for such skill-based programs.

The session strengthened the collaboration between IFIM College and the TNS Foundation, reflecting the institution's continued focus on career readiness and employability. Overall, the workshop was well received and is expected to positively impact student skill development and placement prospects.
PERSONALITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

1. PEP CAPSTONE PROJECT

On December 4, 2025, the Department of PEP organised "PEP Capstone", the PEP final examination for I semester MBA students, where corporate professionals from various organizations interviewed students to assess their readiness for real-world corporate roles. 

We were privileged to have an esteemed panel comprising Mr. Bharathi Athinarayanan (Agrowvitz), Ms. Saritha Kamath (Anucool), Mr. Suraj Shaw (Universal Textiles), Mr. Arul Ramkrishna Prasath (Borderless Access Pvt. Ltd.), and Ms. Jiya Krishnappa (Yokogawa). Each interviewer brought a unique perspective, asking insightful and thought-provoking questions that truly reflected real corporate interview scenarios.

The interviews were conducted simultaneously across four classrooms. From the entire batch, 10 students were shortlisted for the final round held in the auditorium, where all five judges questioned the finalists together. The shortlisted students were Mounika Balla, Bhuvaneshvari, Ashwathi, Soujanya, Dhwani Jahkotia, Shantanu Kayath, Gautam Rawat, Nagaraj Maddeppa Tolinavar, Suraj Rajendra Jadhav, and Ankit Roy.

It was a highly competitive and enriching experience, with judges posing practical, real-life questions that offered a complete perspective on corporate interviews. The event concluded with Mounika Balla being awarded Miss PEP and Gautam Rawat receiving the Mr. PEP title.

A truly insightful and memorable learning experience that bridged the gap between academics and the corporate world.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. RAMU

IFIM College proudly congratulates Dr. N. Ramu, Registrar and Associate Professor, for representing the institution at a prestigious One-Day National Seminar organized by the Department of Commerce (CA), NGM College, Pollachi, in January 2026. Dr. Ramu was invited as the Chief Guest and Resource Person for the seminar titled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Digital Financial Inclusion for Marginalized Communities in the Era of Amrit Kaal.

His address offered deep insights into the critical importance of digital financial inclusion and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing essential financial services. Through his expert perspectives, Dr. Ramu emphasized the transformative role of technology, policy frameworks, and community awareness in narrowing the digital divide and building inclusive financial systems.

Dr. Ramu’s participation not only enriched the seminar with valuable academic contributions but also enhanced IFIM College’s reputation for national-level knowledge sharing, social responsibility, and thought leadership

 

CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE

I LOST MORE THAN MONEY: THE DAY MY DIGITAL LIFE WAS STOLEN

I used to believe data theft happens only to careless people. I was careful—or so I thought. Strong passwords, antivirus, phone lock. Yet, all it took was one careless click to turn my life upside down.
It started with a message that looked harmless: “Your courier is delayed. Track here.”. I was actually expecting a parcel. I clicked. Nothing happened on the screen. But everything happened behind it. In a world powered by smartphones, cloud storage, smart devices, and social media, our personal data has become more valuable than oil. Every click, swipe, upload, and login leaves behind a digital footprint—one that is constantly being tracked, traded, and, in many cases, stolen. Sounds dramatic? It’s not. It’s today’s digital reality.
The Invisible Ways Your Data Gets Stolen:
  1. The Public Wi-Fi Illusion: You connect to free Wi-Fi at an airport or café. Hackers often create fake hotspots to intercept your passwords, emails, and even financial logins.
  2. The “Too Good to Be True” Online Job Offer: Fake recruiters collect resumes, Aadhaar copies, PAN cards, and bank details in the name of “verification.”. This data is later used for identity theft, illegal loans, and financial fraud.
  3. The Perfectly Designed Fake Website: One SMS claiming your bank account is blocked is enough to trigger panic. One click on a fake website that looks exactly like your bank’s portal—and your login credentials, OTP, and card details are gone.
  4. The Apps That Know Too Much: Many apps ask for unnecessary permissions—contacts, camera, microphone, and location. Behind the scenes, this data may be sold to advertisers or leaked during cyber breaches.
  5. Smart Devices That Aren’t So Smart About Privacy: Smart TVs, speakers, and home assistants continuously collect voice and usage data. When this information is leaked, your lifestyle and daily habits become digital profiles in unknown databases.
  6. Social Media Traps: Fake “verification” messages on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn steal login
  7. Even Office Equipment Is a Risk: Unsecured printers, shared drives, and office Wi-Fi networks have become easy entry points for hackers to access salary data, ID proofs, and confidential HR records.

final Thought
“In the digital age, privacy is not about hiding—it’s about controlling what belongs to you.”

Your data is your identity. Protect it the way you protect your wallet, your phone, and your home—because once stolen, it is almost impossible to retrieve entirely. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, an Indian law that provides a framework for protecting digital personal data.

- Prof. Rajaram Sastry
Associate Professor

CREATIVE NEXUS

ART

~ NITHYA L
I MBA (PGCET)
~ BHAVITHA KINERRA
I MBA (PGCET)
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. N. Ramu
Registrar
Sowmya Prasad
Placement Head
Prof. P V Rajaram Sastry
Faculty - HR
Divya M
IV BCom
Chirag A S
I MBA
Bhavitha Kinnera
I MBA
Varsha B S
MBA
Anahad Kaur
IV BBA
 
THE GRATITUDE EDIT

Dear Readers,

We’re thrilled to bring you a fresh and inspiring edition of The Catalyst! Your energy and enthusiasm keep us going as we strive to share stories and ideas that spark curiosity, challenge perspectives, and start conversations that matter. Every article and feature has been handpicked to inform, inspire, and connect with you.

Thank you for being such an important part of The Catalyst community—your support and feedback fuel everything we do!

With gratitude,
The Editorial Team

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Catalyst invites contributions from students and faculty members for the "Creative Nexus" and "Critical Perspectives" columns, respectively. "Creative Nexus" accepts creative works such as verses, short fiction, and cartoons, whereas "Critical Perspectives" welcomes critical write-ups from faculty on current issues, with a word limit of 500–800 words. Kindly submit your contributions to thecatalyst@ifim.edu.in

Created: 2026-02-09 16:45:36
Date: 2026-02-09