Management thinker YK Bhushan was ‘always in charge’

By Pritee Saxena

Educated in Delhi at the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University (DU) and Indiana University, Bloomington USA on a Fulbright Scholarship, Prof YK Bhushan was a benevolent leader with a commanding voice and superlative oratory skills, but who never raised his voice or lost composure. He was truly made of the mettle of a chief – always in charge, always in command. We feel blessed to have watched and learned the nuances of running a large campus from someone who was the best in business.

My journey with Prof YK Bhushan began in 1992 at NMIMS Mumbai where I had applied to do my masters. Prof. Bhushan selected me then, as his student, and I had the great fortune of being selected again by him in 2002, when he persuaded me to join ICFAI Business School Mumbai, switching from being a visiting faculty to a full time faculty, the year he became the director of our prestigious campus.

Sir was an excellent mentor and always saw the potential in each one of us. He was a leader par excellence who would motivate the staff and faculty to upskill. He would encourage faculty members to attend and present their work at meetings, conferences and seminars thereby projecting IBS in the academic and corporate fora. He knew how to bring out the best in a person.

His contribution to the campus was immense – right from the books and resources in the library on which he would personally advise, to the selection of members to appropriate committees and prompt permission for quick execution of innovative ideas.

His focus was always on “management by excitement” and “copability – the art of stretching oneself beyond their capacity”.

In 20 years of my association with Sir, he entrusted me with the role of co-ordinator student activities, a function that was very close to his heart, which led to frequent interactions with him. Over a period of time I would feel isolated if I had not spoken to him for even a single day. I travelled with him officially to many places both in India and abroad. I have also accompanied Sir for various board meetings. This gave me the opportunity to know him closely and I discovered his interest in photography, interest in Urdu, Hindi and English literature along with appreciation of various cultural nuances and people, not to forget his fascination for latest gadgets and technology.

He taught us the invaluable lesson of flexibility. He would often quote how a tree laden with fruits can withstand the mightiest storms by just bending or swaying along the flow of the wind.

Prof Bhushan was full of zest and believed in celebrating the smallest of successes – we saw him celebrate all his birthdays with the staff and friends. We celebrated his 60 years in the field of education in 2017. However, after his 80^th birthday, his health started deteriorating.

Even today, when I sit as Director of IBS Mumbai, I think of him and how it has been a rollercoaster ride with many lessons learnt and a bag full of memories. Even though Sir is not around, I know he has touched the lives of many who, in turn, have attained great heights in their respective areas of work, alumni and faculty members alike.

So, the following lines I would dedicate to him:

Sir,

The memories will never fade,

For all that you have done is great,

You had that aura which would bring a smile on people’s face,

And no matter how difficult situations were,

You always fought and won the race.

Dr. Pritee Saxena is director, IBS Mumbai Campus

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