Aarya Pandey_IPM23004_BootCamp_Report
Aarya Pandey_IPM23004_BootCamp_Report
Aarya Pandey_IPM23004_BootCamp_Report
The Patnitop Bootcamp is a rigorous program which demands all students to step out of their
comfort zone and challenge themselves. This inculcates within them the ability to conduct
and manage themselves in situations where they lack control and have to adapt to exogenous
factors. The diverse student body of our batch, provided each student to perform activities
within different groups and enrich themselves culturally, through simulating conversation
between peers and the observations made about the new environment.
This report will outline the numerous activities undertaken throughout the bootcamp- the
trek, activities at Skyview from Ziplining to ATV, the informative sessions on the business
model and operations of Empyrean, Yoga and Zumba sessions. The report aims to illustrate
how engaging with these activities and retaining the enriching experience, has provided
students with key takeaways pertaining to their personal development and managerial
outlook.
The objectives and outcomes achieved through the trip are of great significance for a
management student and therefore the entire report will be underscored by managerial
implications of each activity performed and experience gained.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The bootcamp served as a breeding ground for overcoming challenges and hurdles as an
individual and as part of a team which allowed for holistic development in a pragmatic
setting as compared to traditional classrooms. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Director
Prof. B.S.Sahay for giving me this opportunity to go on the boot camp. I further acknowledge
the immense efforts put forth by the administration of Indian Institute of Management,
faculty members- Dr. Gaana J., Dr. Apurva, Dr. Manu Bansal, and Dr. V Raj Kumar; our
administrative Officer – Academics Mr. Arup Bhattacharya; administrative office members-
Mr. Sunil K. Thakar, Mr. Lakhbir Singh, and Mr. Vinay and last but not the least I extend my
sincerest thanks to my batch mates who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this
bootcamp.
The curriculum of Indian Institute of Management, Jammu is all encompassing, holistic and
enriching. This is reflected through inclusion of the bootcamp program, which helped the
entire student body in building new skills and improving communication skills through
collaborative team efforts in uncharted territory of the beautiful valleys of Patnitop.
I would, also, like to extend my heartfelt gratitude towards all faculty members and
administration members who accompanied us and ensured student’s safety, well-being and
productive utilisation of our time at bootcamp. Their commitment towards providing us with
all-round learnings further enriched the experience attained. They encouraged the students
and ensured active participation from every single student.
I would also use this opportunity to commend the efforts of Mr. Sandeep Singh Jamwal who
ensured our safety at all times.
My batch mates inspired me to try my very best and not give up on any activities. In absence
of their zeal and enthusiasm, I would have been incapable of optimising and translating
objectives of the bootcamps into concrete outcomes.
Lastly, I would like to commend the efforts of the hotel management and Skyview Empyrean
whose efforts largely shaped the successful trajectory of our bootcamp.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Boot Camp provides a comprehensive bird’s eye perspective in culture and history
through the brief one-week period. It aims to improve students' teamwork, group dynamics,
critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The journey was productive and intellectually
enriching, as it included a myriad of challenging activities and informative sessions with
Empyrean technical and operations team that expanded our knowledge base.
The activities helped me become better at navigating unkown environments and people,
coordinating effectively and promptly, further it taught me to be on my toes at al times by
keeping an observant eye so as to ask the right question at the right moment to reach the
desired end, and, most importantly, challenging myself to discover that my limits can be
stretched.
These skills, specifically teamwork, will be of utmost importance when I enter the industry.
Currently, I am sheltered in a safe bubble created by my parents, my acquaintances, and the
members of the Institute. Prof. B.S. Sahay, our director, previously stated that "the real world
is not as nice as it is here." Consequently, this camp has provided the foundation for the many
skills I will cultivate in the consequent years of my academic and professional journey.
In addition, I have discussed in this report all of the activities that occurred, day by day, as
well as my experience and the results - how each day and activity broadened my perspective
and enhanced my perception about the daily musings of life and work.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF PICTURES..........................................................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................7
OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................................................8
DAY- WISE ACTIVITIES..................................................................................................................9
LEARNING OUTCOMES...............................................................................................................22
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................25
LIST OF PICTURES
FIGURE DESCRIPTION
NUMBER
1 Landscape on our way to Patnitop.
2 Entering Patnitop.
3 Bonfire.
4 Tyndall effect at play the forest at Trek.
5 View atop mountain after Trek.
6 Group Picture upon completing the Trek
7 Gondola at the lower Station
8 MTB Cycles
9 View around Gondola
10 Going from one pole to another by Zip Lining
11 Restaurant at Skyview
12 Area where Session on Skyview’s Operations was conducted
13 History of SudhMahadev temple
14 Entrance to SudhMahadev temple
INTRODUCTION
The trip to Patnitop was one that engaged the mind, heart and spirit. It not only provided a
respite from the noise of traditional classroom rigour but it augmented our managerial
understanding by introducing the students to the art of managing new environment with their
peers. As part of the IPM course structure, the bootcamp aims students to socialize among
themselves and the faculty members within an environment that is not strictly academic and
formal. Our overall course structure seeks to prepare us for the corporate world where we
encounter situations we haven’t been familiarized with, this bootcamp allowed as to
experience the stress, challenges and strategies we require to mitigate them on a minute scale.
We found ourselves among the beautiful mountains of Patnitop on the evening of 26 th May.
The journey witnessed the bubbling anticipation and excitement of 132 students, whose eyes
were glued to the majestic natural scenes passing by through their bus windows. With
increasing altitude, the spirits rose as students braced themselves for this singular experience
they were going to live in the upcoming days.
Upon reaching Patnitop the students energized themselves with snacks, and when then
allotted hotel rooms. Me along with a few girls had to stay the first night at Maharaja Hotel,
which was at a distance of few steps from the main hotel Forest View. The night before the
adventure we dined at the halls of Forest View, and gathered around a warm bonfire. As we
revelled around the bonfire, with dance and music, we awaited the call of adventure and
challenges to come in the upcoming. I made sure to get sound sleep as my group were to
chase the sun the day after and defeat the heights of a mountain, by traversing a treacherous
trek.
Figure 2 Figure 3
Figure 1
OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of this boot camp are as follows:
My peers kept my spirits from dampening and cheered me on. I conversed with some of my
batchmates as we waged against the unforgiving terrain of the mountains. Eventually I caught
up with my peers and faculty on the forefront. The feeling of reaching the summit was
ecstatic, the morning sun, and the soft cold breeze among the coniferous trees caressed my
face. I ate my dry fruits having consumed the rest of my sustenance while getting to the
summit. We enjoyed the panoramic view of Patnitop for a while relishing on the fruit of our
labour.
Unexpectedly the descent proved to be more perilous than climbing the mountains. The guide
advised us to employ side step footwork on particularly soft soiled terrain. I was pleased to
be among the first group of students to get down. It felt immense joy at doing well at
something I had been stressing over. The trek illustrated to me the importance of supporting
our peers and motivating each other’s to attain heights unattainable through individual effort.
Following this I walked to my room and prepared along with my inmates and prepared to
move ourselves and our belongings to Forest View that will house our high spirits for the rest
of our days at Patnitop.
Figure 4
1. We should break free from pre-determined mindsets as they might obstruct from
achieving our full potential.
2. A collaborative team effort synergises each individual’s competence into a larger
objective and provides motivation to everyone to contribute to the brim of their
capacity.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Day-2 (28/05/2024)
The next day held within itself a promise for thrilling adventure as my group advanced
towards Skyview by Empyrean. After listening to my senior rave about all the activities they
tried out at Skyview, I was eagerly waiting to try everything out. We walked up to the lower
base of the Gondola ropeway. We were divided in groups of eight to travel to the upper
station where we will undertake all our activities. As I entered the gondola, my heart raced,
all my peers accompanying me in the Gondola were also just as awestruck. As the Gondola
ascended upwards, our stayed glued downwards, the beautiful scenic picture of Patnitop
painted before our eyes, in lush colours of green.
Upon reaching the upper station, the faculty ushered the students inside the restaurant to take
their breakfast. We queued up to grab our sustenance to keep us energized for the activities
we were to undertake. Promptly after breakfast I went along with my group to fill the
required forms and undertaking. The first challenge we decided to conquer was ATV and
MTB. I was quite sceptical as I have never driven a vehicle with gears, but with reassurances
and cheering up by my peers I decided on at least trying. The guide explained how to use the
drive, neutral and reverse gear to operate the ATV, he further explained how to get it started.
The wait to be go through the trial before the real thing was long and tested my weakness of
impatience. When my trial came up, I tried to follow all the instructions which I successfully
could. Where I failed was manoeuvring at turns, the lack of strength in my arms became a
bottleneck and I was asked to sit out this activity.
Not letting myself get dejected, I proceeded towards MTB. Cycling has always provided me
with a sense of freedom and exhilaration, so after my previous failure I was still quite
pumped up about this activity. The guide explained the gear shifts and advised to lightly
apply both breaks at all times while cycling downhill. Me along with my two peers followed
the guides pedalling up the sharp slopes of the mountain. Cycling uphill demanded us to
strain all our leg muscles, but cycling uphill paid off in the ecstatic thrill of cycling downhill.
Cycling downhill didn’t require muscle power or strength at all but only careful balance, the
winds wafted past our bodies as we yelled in joy on our descent.
After my peers were done with their ATV and MTB rides, we proceeded from that region of
Skyview towards Archery.
Initially Archery was the activity I was the least pumped up about as all it involved was
aiming the arrow and shooting, my mind couldn’t fathom the complexities involved in
performing a task that seemed so simple from the viewer’s perspective. But when my turn
came, I realised the importance of good body posture- straight back, firm grip, stable hands
and legs. The bow was quite heavy and hands were trembling due to which aiming for the
Bull’s eye became a tough task. The guide talked about the importance of a straight back. The
ones who were able to maintain this posture came closer to the target.
After the exhaustion from these set in we went back to the restaurant to recharge our energies
by eating on an exquisite and nutritious lunch. Intaking the necessary calories and regaining
my confidence me and my group of peers went to conquer zipline. To reach to high mountain
where the grounds for Zipline activity was situated, we engaged in another activity called
Magic Carpet. The guide taught us the proper stance required, where we had to keep our left
foot forward and slightly bend our knees to keep the centre of gravity of our body in balance.
I listened to the instructions diligently and followed them meticulously. The outcome was an
enjoyable ascent while admiring the beautiful natural scenery of the mountains.
After reaching to the top our cohort stepped towards the zipline facility. The guide asked us to
read the guidelines foremost, which included that we were to take complete responsibility of
our safety, and listen intently to the instructions of the guide and follow them to every word.
The guide taught us PPAS protocol to ensure safe and smooth ziplining experience. PPAS
stands for- Platform, Pulley, Aeroline and Sitting Position. The guide asked us to check if the
platform ahead of us is clear, then ensure our pulley and Aeroline and securely positioned on
the line, then join our knees get in a sitting position with our lower back pushed backwards
and then release ourselves. He also asked us to be sure to grab the rope at the next platform
the first thing, so as to not slip back. He gave us instructions as to what to do in case we do
slip back on the line, we were to rotate our bodies 180 degree and with help of our arms push
ourselves towards the platform, which required considerable arm strength.
When my turn came, I ensured all the protocols and successfully zipped across three
platforms. As I checked the fourth platform and zipped across, I made the mistake of
extending my legs forward. As I approached the fourth platform, my legs made the first
impact against the platform and my palms couldn’t grab the rope, I slipped backwards. Now
as seen before I am not in possession of arm strength of any degree. I tried following the
protocol, I turned 180 degrees and tried to push myself with my arms, but my arms didn’t
support me. Unfortunately, because of this I had to be rescued by the kind and courteous staff
of Skyview. This incident doused my spirits to a considerable extent. Eventually I got up and
brushed off and moved towards my last activity for the day, Tubing.
Tubing was refreshingly fun and didn’t demand any physical strain on my part. I held on tight
to the fastenings and felt the adrenaline and blood rush through my veins as I slithered
downwards in fast speed. The thrill from tubing restored my spirits and the days activities
ended on a high note. Following this we ate snacks at the Skyview restaurant and made our
way back to Forest View to get good rest after a busy day of adventurous activities.
1. A good body posture, such as straight spine, should be maintained at all times.
2. We should not rely completely on machines. Rather, should be alert and react quickly and
efficiently.
3. It is important to become a master of the art before starting to work upon it professionally.
5. It is important to assess one’s strength and weakness and act in accordance to that.
Figure 11
Afterwards we took a heart breakfast at Forest View Hall. This day had in store for us an
insightful session with Mr. Bhat Omair, Manager operations and maintenance ropeway, at the
grounds of Skyview. This once we took a bus to reach the top station of Skyview instead on
Gondola. This change of route to reach the same destination made me appreciate the different
paths and decisions we can take and the different learnings each route comes with. After
reaching the Skyview premises, we were guided to an area behind the top Gondola station,
where our session commenced.
We were specifically informed about the management of rescue operations, the major
contingency they can foresee. Mr Omair informed us how these ropeway rescue operations
are majorly caused due to technical defects; they have a threefold security system in place
and manual rescue is the last option. They briefed us about the equipment and protocols
engaged in rescue, one particular method we were explained in detail about was vertical
evacuation method, which is employed when we have ample space downwards. With help of
evacuation bags, they are able to carry out rescue. They informed about their rescue drills and
collaboration with NRDF. As of present date they haven’t ever had to carry out manual rescue
because of the state of art technology and facility in place at Skyview by Empyrean. We were
also informed about the everyday functioning of the ropeway and the over two hundred
checks they carry out every day. These checks include but not exclusive to- Stations structure
checking- where they examine the drive station and return station. They check if the Nut bolt
tightener, welding, cracks, steel structure are in place, they particularly ensure if any
abnormal noise and vibration is coming from the machines; Stations conveying zone
checking- where they examine tyres and air pressure; Station garage check- they examine
switch gates to ensure smooth garage in and garage out of Gondolas; Stations deflection
sheave checking- where they check vertical and horizontal sheaves and ensure correct
position of haulage rope on sheaves. Some other daily checks are- Safety stoppage testing,
DG functioning tests, Hydraulic tensioning unit checking, Control panel checking, Lorry
Acquisition check, Main hear box checking, Power room checking, Ropeway line pre start
check, Ropeway during operations check and Roller rails checking.
Throughout the session he repeatedly emphasized the importance of being a good leader.
Even though the machine is automatic but the employees have been trained to be react
promptly when any issue occurs. He mentioned the issues they face amidst security checks,
inter departmental communication, functioning of machinery and its maintenance. He talked
about the French company which manufactures the cable cars- POMA. He mentioned the
intense training which the workers have to go through in form of drills before being
employed as full-time operators of the Gondola adventure. He also asked for a few students
to volunteer, then the team showed how they rescue the passengers if the cable car gets stuck
midway. The task must be of utmost difficulty while operating the longest and highest
ropeway in India.
After the session we took our lunch. Post lunch we had a session on self defence where we
were taught techniques and stances that’ll enable us to take better care of ourselves and our
loved ones. The day ended with a delightful open mic session conducted by the organisation
Pause Tribe. The session included melodious music, poetry that strung at hearts and a stand-
up comedy session. We went back to our hotel rooms with a bittersweet ache as the day after
was to be to last day of activities at Patnitop.
Figure 12
These two days at Skyview made me realise that life in hills is exhilarating but also difficult
and filled with everyday challenges. Manging the huge volume of 132 students especially
while carrying out activities that have risk of injuries is a difficult job indeed. One of my
peers fell while cycling. Such incidents shook our belief but the team over there handled it
professionally and ensured our safety at all times. Their agile response and prompt
communication helped them. They had facilities and procedures for every situation. This
proved that one should always calculate the difficulties and bottlenecks that might arise and
prepare and plan to mitigate them. We should be courageous enough to take responsibility
and lead the team. Had the employees at Skyview not helped that person, our good reviews
would have turned into bad ones. Therefore, serving the customers as per their needs is
important while doing business.
We were supposed to reach Forest View early in the evening but because of a mishap on the
road with an oil toppling. We had to wait for long four hours on the same spot on the road.
The long wait taught me how to deal and compromise with external factors outside our
control.
Figure 14
Figure 13
I have read this poem many times, but it was on this morning I truly understood it’s essence.
To become one with the nature truly gives one a serene joy. Me and Aashvi went with full
hearts back to the Forest View hotel. We checked out of our rooms and boarded buses to
travel back to our college campus.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Throughout the boot programme, I took initiative, and actively participated. This increased
involvement has given me the confidence to speak up among social settings with not set rules
for communication.
The boot camp stressed teamwork and collaboration. I now understand how to work with
varied teams, coordinate tasks, and use individual abilities to benefit the team.
Time management and discipline have assisted me in prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines,
and maximising output. The boot camp taught me the importance of self-discipline and
personal and professional improvement.
Previously, I was also taught these techniques in a classroom setting. But the lesson I learned
through its practical implementation is unique.
There were many challenges such as the cold weather and lack of warm clothes, overcoming
my fears and performing the adventurous activities. Another difficulty was keeping the hotel
rooms clean. By managing my luggage well, I had to fret little as we were leaving the hotel
for Jammu.
My suggestion would be to prepare yourself to face any situation. Such as, the toppled oil
tanker spoiled our evening where we could have explored nearby marketplaces. Therefore,
adapting quickly and understanding that every situation has certain exogenous factors that are
outside the reign of control becomes vital.
The trip helped me become a better person in many ways. As I realized how important the
class lectures are, I decided to consider their practical implications even more from the next
semester.
We were told about the importance of networking and collaboration since the outset. It was
during this journey when I realized its true value. The vacation helped me become a much
more confident and aware citizen.
We travelled by Gondola and bus. We even walked. This helped the students enjoy even the
difficult times (together we relished, had we been alone we would have felt irritated).
Consequently, team benefits an individual in numerous ways.
The Patnitop boot camp was successful at achieving its aims. We gained significant skills and
knowledge that will assist us in our personal and professional lives. The boot camp will assist
us in becoming effective leaders, team players, and disciplined individuals as we progress
towards our Social Internships.
IPM 23004