Family, Fireworks & Feedback: My Week of Growth at ISDM

This week began with Diwali lights and ended with honest reflections. Somewhere between rockets, research, and real conversations, I found myself woven back together.

Newsletter & Diwali Begins

The week opened with my newsletter launch: "The Week That Wove Me Together: From Hot Conversations to Heartfelt Connections."

Then Diwali arrived, bringing happiness I hadn't felt in three months. I reunited with Sidhu and Madhathi, kids who've grown up alongside me since their childhood.

The day began with traditional foods and family warmth, then moved to our garden where we lit crackers and bombs. My brothers, sister, and I, though grown, became kids again in those moments.

The night peaked when Sidhu, my brother, and I engineered rocket bombs together. My brother (Dr. M. Pradeep Chakaravarthy, MD at AIIMS, now pursuing DM at Madurai Medical College), Sidhu (currently in 3rd grade), and I, spanning engineering, medicine, and childhood curiosity, collaborated like a team.

A first: This was the first time Mom and I celebrated Deepavali in our own home. It felt complete, like we'd finally become a family that stays together.

Sparking Campus Democracy

A new idea struck me Tuesday morning. I proposed an unconventional campaign for our Placement Committee elections:

I outlined six guidelines emphasizing authenticity, transparency, dialogue, and unity, whether you win or lose. The response was encouraging.

That afternoon, we worked more in the garden, set off crackers, visited Sidhu and Madhathi's room, and expressed gratitude to family. We visited the Murugan temple together.

A highlight: visited our garden.

Seeing her journal the experience, capturing pictures and notes like the creators I follow, felt validating. It confirmed that journaling and modeling your journey creates connection.

Meanwhile, my roommates were away on trips: Pao & dib in Badrinath, Peter and Tiger at the Amritsar-Wagah border.

That night, I went to see Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 at the cinema.

I spent two full days with my cousins, pure family time. But deadlines loomed. I worked through the night until 5 AM on Friday morning,

preparing our RI (Research Inquiry) presentation with data visualizations and analysis.

Presentations & The "RM Roast"

Morning started with an online session I attended remotely. Then came the RI presentation, and it went well.

The afternoon brought the final Research Methods session, which students dubbed the "RM Roast." Something unusual happened: students who typically sit in the back rows claimed the front benches for the first time.

That evening, we learned we had a Sunday quiz scheduled for October 26 from 10 AM to 12 PM.

The reaction in the group: "Sunday 🥹 quiz"

Reflections, Help, & Hidden Deadlines

I missed the morning class but watched Dr. Akhtar Badshah's recorded reflection on Personal Leadership Compass

That evening, a placement brochure deadline surfaced that many of us didn't know about. The PC sent reminders:

"Please upload brochure profiles within the shared deadline. No extension for draft #1. The delay in brochure creation is directly proportional to delays in the process."

I felt lost. I openly asked in the group:

"How many have started creating this? If it's mandatory for the course, can someone help me create one?"

I added: "Thank you! Open to receiving help from others."

Prachi responded: "Connect with me. I'll try to help you guys." (Thank you Prachi🌊)

With her guidance, I successfully uploaded my first placement profile that night. The content is now live on my LinkedIn.

I also emailed Dr. Akhtar Badshah, a 10-week reflection on what I've been doing, what I've learned, and where I'm headed.

We continued preparing for October 31, when all 13 PLCs will present their RI plans to the cohort & trustee. New thoughts and ideas kept emerging.

The Quiz, the Chaos, & Goodbye

The Sunday quiz happened. But chaos erupted in the group chat.

Some students hadn't read the pre-materials. Others didn't know the test covered Situation Analysis. One classmate asked: "Can we ask for a retest? I just filled random answers, especially for case study questions."

responded practically: "All details are in the course outline. Please check that."

Someone countered: "But the class is on the 30th. Why would we read the outline on the 26th?"

replied half-jokingly: "Then they'll say it's 'situation analytics.' We tested your situation and how you're handling it."

Later, created a poll:

Are we learning with intent or just finishing tasks? Quick pulse:

The conversation revealed something important: we're navigating ambiguity, deadlines, and expectations together, sometimes prepared, sometimes scrambling, but always human.

Farewell & What's Next

later me and my brother had AI session on how to prepare a PPT using AI with me

As the week closed, I felt the weight of missing my cohort already. Winter is coming. I packed my things and said farewell to family, friends, and the kids at home.

Tomorrow's journey:
Morning train from Madurai to Chennai
Flight from Chennai to Delhi

This week was joyful, messy, memorable, and deeply human, filled with festival lights, family bonds, late-night work, unexpected help, and honest reflection.

It wove me together.

Nami🌊