Renndezvous with former Director Brig. Grewal

Full Name: Rajwant Singh Grewal
Date of Birth: February 11, 1946
Educational Qualification: M Sc, PhD. Recognised as a guide for PhD by University of Madras.
Work Experience: 35 years in Indian Army; 6 years with Manipal Group in various capacities viz Director, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology; Pro Vice Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences; Director, ICICI Manipal Academy for Banking and Insurance.
About Your Career in the Army:

Joined National Defence Academy in June 1963; Commissioned in to Madras Engineer Group & Centre of the Corps of Engineers in 1967; Apart from holding various executive appointments was also a member of faculty at the College of Military Engineering and also at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Was Head Faculty of Civil Engineering at College of Military Engineering; Served as Chief Engineer in the Border Roads Organisation; Was also the Commandant of Madras Engineer Group and Centre, Bangalore. Attended the prestigious course at National Defence College at New Delhi. Awarded the Vishist Sewa Medal while serving with Border Roads Organisation.
What Motivated You to Join Academics?

That is an interesting question. There is a misconception in the minds of general public that Army personnel are far removed from academics. Very few people know that an Army officer spends considerable time studying while attending various courses of instruction. Further, while in the Army, I had spent almost one third of my career in various teaching assignments. Somehow, I always wanted to study and had made it a point to learn something new at each station that I was posted to. Thus, I earned my PhD without even availing the privilege of study leave that I could have done. You will be surprised that as a junior officer, I attended an evening school run by Tamil community for their children at Pune. Though I was an Army officer I sat with children in a primary school to learn Tamil. Thus, today I can read, write and speak Tamil.
What are the Differences between the Present Day Youth and Youth of Your Generation?

Due to vastly different environments in which the two generations have grown up you cannot make a fair comparison. Our generation grew up in the bicycle-age if not in the bullock cart-age! The present generation of youth was born after the man had already landed on the moon in 1969! Thus, obviously, there has to be a vast difference in the outlook of the two generations and the way they approach various issues. In the early 60s the euphoria of gaining independence from the colonial rule, the scars of partition of the country, the after effects of World War II – remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki - were still fresh in the memory of general public. Our national leaders were still honest and we looked at them with awe and reverence. However, the environment has changed and the present day youth, perhaps rightly so, do not hold the vast majority of our national leaders in the same esteem. Then, there is the technology gap that has helped the young generation to be tech-savvy and has endowed it with multi-tasking capabilities. Our generation was much more patient. The youth of the present generation wants every thing instantly. Why, they not only want fast food but also instant knowledge! One could go on and on. The differences are far too many to recount.
Your Vision for IMA:

I feel that the purpose of education should be to unsettle the minds of the young and to inflame their intellects. Thus, the education we provide should help our students realize their potentials. IMA, therefore, should not only open the doors of opportunity for our students but should also equip them to walk through those doors. I am certain that if we are able to achieve this, IMA will stand apart as an institution in the country with its own ethos and brand name.
Something about Your Experience at IMA till now:

IMA was conceived and established in a compressed time frame that was very ambitious. Thus, there were some teething troubles. However, I must appreciate the faculty and the other support staff who did not let these impediments over awe them and worked tirelessly to realize the dream of the planners. IMA seems to be on the right path and I am certain that over a period of time it will earn its deserved spot in the fraternity of elite institutions providing management training to the budding bankers. Personally for me, it has been a wonderful experience to interact with the younger generation – it has helped arrest my aging process!!
What is Your Inspiration in Life?

I feel that to be successful one should always be prepared to learn. I have always tried to learn not only from my seniors but also from my peers and juniors. The will to always learn something new keeps me going.
Your Message to Budding Bankers of IMA:

I would like them to remember that knowledge is the only asset that is not subject to diminishing returns. If they persevere and advance sincerely and confidently in the direction of their dreams, they would meet with success.