Testimonials

The excitement mixed with nervousness was palpable as one IGTC student after the other entered the institute on 28^th July 2016. It was a day of reckoning for 78 students of the PGPBA Batch 2015-2017 and 82 of PGPBA Batch 2016-2018, as the former became Seniors and the latter were being inducted! For the Batch 2016-2018 the wait was finally over, they were “officially” joining the “IGTC Family” and for the Seniors it was time to showcase to their Juniors what it means to be an IGTCian and be part of this unique family.

The induction started with the official lighting of the lamp in the presence of the Director, Radhieka R Mehta along with IGTC staff, Seniors and Juniors.

Thereafter the Seniors took charge with full gusto as they had planned an array of activities for their Juniors just like their Seniors had done for them during their induction. From Ice-Breaking activities to showcasing of talents within the present pool to the physically challenging “Scavenger Hunt”, all was planned and executed without a glitch and with much  laughter & merriment – after all they are all part of the IGTC family now.

Being a resident of Chennai, my decision to come to Mumbai was a scary one. The amazing fact is, I still feel I’m at home here. This is the best part of IGTC, ‘we are one big family from different cultures’.
Siebert Philip, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd

Induction Day 2

The second day of induction for the Juniors on 29th July 2016, was an introduction into the “managerial & business” aspect of being an IGTCian by 4 IGTC alumni. In the first half of the day alumni, Viraj Kapadia and Ruchika Natarajan from Siemens Financial Services shared with them their ‘IGTC journey’ as well as a glimpse into their company’s activities.

This was followed by another alumni, Yashovardhan Bichu from Bosch Limited, who gave a presentation on ‘Career ladder after IGTC’. Post lunch the most anticipated presentation took place. Mr. Arun Roy, (PGPBA Batch 1992 – 1994), COO SKIL Power Tools North America (BOSCH Power Tools) gave a presentation on ‘Globalization and Leadership’.  The Juniors thoroughly enjoyed these session, as they were given valuable life as well managerial lessons from an IGTCian mentor!

By the end of the day it slowly dawned upon them as to what a privilege it was to be a part of the IGTC family and what legacy they would have to live up to! Overall they were overwhelmed by their experiences of the last two days but at the same time are looking forward to their 18 month journey.

As Muhammad Ali, rightly quoted, “Don’t count the days, make the days count!  “This is exactly, how the journey has been so far at IGTC. And, I can only conclude by saying that I am eagerly awaiting the 18 month amazing ride here!
Ashwini Anil, BASF Group

PGPBA Batch 2016-2018: High Demand by IGTC Partnering Training Companies Drive IGTC Admissions to Record / New Heights

On July 28^th 2016, the Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC), in its 25^th Year of existence, reached two milestones:  The first one, the induction of 82 students – a new record, to its Post Graduate Program in Business Administration (PGPBA) for the academic year 2016-2018! And the second one – the highest selection of trainees by an IGTC Training Partner Company – Siemens 12 and Mercedes-Benz 9!

Approximately 327 students applied to IGTC and over 40 IGTC Training Partner Companies took part in the Admission Process. In the end 82 got selected by 36 companies.

It was great to be a part of the Trainee selection process at IGTC. We saw a variety of profiles from varied backgrounds of Engineering, Commerce and Communications. We got our pick of 12 Trainees, who will undergo the practical training with Siemens as part of the IGTC general management curriculum.  Like every year, the process was professionally managed and we got to interview and select from the candidates we had shortlisted as well as those who were interested in training with us. Kudos to the team at IGTC, we always look forward to participate in this process every year.
Rupesh Basu, Human Resources, Siemens Ltd.

The Admission Process at IGTC is as unique as they come! Many a times Radhieka R Mehta, Director compares IGTC’s role to that of a “matchmaker” and in a way she is not wrong.  Since IGTC is based on the German Dual Education System, it is imperative that IGTC presents/offers a strong pool of qualified and diverse graduates to the companies for the Trainee Selection Process. After all, only if a “match” is found between the student and the Partnering Company, is the admission to the IGTC program guaranteed for that particular student.

It’s been great to be associated with IGTC. The program has the German Dual Education System, which will give the students a clear guideline. We have one IGTC trainee currently and it is great. The process this time was better than last time. Students were very much focused. Hope to get one intern this time. Nice hospitality from the complete team. A big thank you!
Smaranika Mohanty, Human Resources, Brose India Automotive Systems Pvt. Ltd.

IGTC is more than an institution, it is a paradigm. The fact that you are interviewed by the top class German companies to get into the course is something unique and unparalleled. The meticulously designed and robust selection process ensures that the right talent is selected for the right company and for the right process making a win-win situation for both the management candidate and company itself.
Shrey Arora, Intern selected by Covestro (India) Pvt Ltd.

But it is easier said than done as the Trainee Selection Process alone usually takes around 3 days to be completed. During that period, IGTC resembles a mini Job Fair venue. Each Training Partner Company gets individual cubicles so that they can interview their prospective intern/trainee in a private setting. From the 327 students who applied ultimately 201 made it to the shortlist for the Trainee Selection Process. Out of these, 109 applicants were from the technical and 92 were from the non-technical background.

IGTC has a very different concept from the admission process till the teaching style, which makes the institute very special. There are very good German companies tied up with the institute and one can learn a lot from these companies. I would say that WORK TO LEARN AND NOT WORK TO EARN.
Viral Tanna, Intern selected by TÜV India Pvt Ltd.

IGTC ensures that the student as well as the Partnering Training Company “keep dating” and keep each other “happy” as they are more or less “equal stakeholders” throughout the 18 months PGPBA course!

And like the verse from Fiddleron the Roof song “Matchmaker” –

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a match, Find me a find, Catch me a catch.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Look through your book, And make me a perfect match!

IGTC tries to ensure that the “perfect match” is found and the “relationship” is sustained/strong enough for it to maybe culminate into an “happily ever after” when Final Placement happens, 18 months down the line!

It has been for the last 5 years that Evonik is participating in this program. For last 4 years we could get good candidates. This year also it was difficult to rank candidates as all had given tough competition. This course helps candidates in taking right decision for their careers. Very good experience.

We like to thank all our Training Partner Companies:  Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd., BASF Group, Bayer Group, Bosch Automotive Electronics India, Bosch Chassis Systems India, Bosch Limited, BPW Trailer Systems, Brose India Automotive Systems, Cerebrus Consulting, Covestro (India) Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Oetker India, Epcos India, Evonik India Pvt. Ltd., Extentia Technologies, Forbes Marshall Pvt. Ltd., Gold Seal Saar Gummi, Groz-Beckert Asia Pvt. Ltd., Häfele India Pvt. Ltd., HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd., Helpline Impex Pvt. Ltd., Kion Group, KSB Pumps, Lanxess India Pvt. Ltd., Mercedes Benz India Pvt. Ltd., NRB Industrial Bearings Ltd., Rittal India Pvt. Ltd., Schaefer Systems Intl. Pvt. Ltd., Schaeffler Group, SCHOTT Glass India Pvt. Ltd., Siemens Financial Services, Siemens Limited, Siemens Technology and Services, Thyssenkrupp Industries Pvt. Ltd., TÜV India Pvt. Ltd., Volkswagen India, Wirtgen India Pvt. Ltd.

An evening that can only be described as special and filled with pride and gratitude, as IGTC bid adieu to 28 managers in a grand Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the 2^nd Pune EBMP Batch 2016 on 09^th August, 2016.

The ceremony which included business heads from the organizations, the EBMP participants’, family members and faculty began with Mr. Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General of the Indo German Chamber of Commerce giving the welcome address.  In his speech he mentioned “I admire and appreciate the effort made by the participants to go back to studying as it is very hard to have that kind of dedication and focus once one is out of university. I especially like to thank the “young” faculty who travels from Mumbai for their lectures. But I guess that it also keeps them “young & energized” to be amongst students.”

After the welcome note the students relived their “back to school days” with a video which showcased the hours they spent in class during the course.

Mr. Vinay D’souza, Plant Head, Precision Seals Manufacturing Limited, Bosch who was adjudged as the best presenter of the business plan confessed that after his number of years of experience, he was not sure how his enrolment in the course would span out. “The most valuable lesson I learnt by being a student was that one can & should look at things differently. One should take it as a challenge and approach things from a different perspective. I have to thank the excellent faculty for imparting this valuable lesson to me.”

Ms. Aditi Gadkri, Chief Operating Officer, Indovance Inc. shared her experience about the program and appreciated getting an induction into the German culture as her company is an American based one. “Before joining the course I used to wonder as to why, many a times, the things I did in my professional life were going wrong. Now thanks to the knowledge gained I got the answers to my “whys” and have been able to take corrective steps.

Mr. Deepak Joseph, Sr. Project Leader, Knorr-Bremse Technology Centre and a hard-core engineer from the R & D department cited “I never really valued any subject beyond my line of work. I especially did not pay much heed to Finance. But all that changed due to the faculty and lessons imparted. Today I follow the Economic Times and I am a “fan” of Finance.”

Mr. Sangram Phatangare, Sr. Manager-Production, Wirtgen India Pvt. Ltd was applauded for his 100% attendance. This he attributed to the camaraderie amongst his fellow participants and faculty who ensured that he never wanted to miss a class.  “I guess my 100% attendance is a reflection/testimonial of how much I enjoyed and valued the course. When I signed up for the course, it was with mixed feeling since it meant committing, forfeiting my precious weekends of “family time”. But, now that the course has ended, I miss it very much.

One thing that all the participants shared in common was utmost gratitude for the faculty and their family members who supported them throughout this journey.

In a heartfelt speech the daughter of Mr. Prashant Bandu Wani, Director, Puja Fluids Seals Pvt. Ltd. complimented her father saying he taught her that one is never too old to learn.  “When my father informed me that he got “admission” to IGTC’s EBMP course, I was pleasantly surprised. He used enthusiastically discuss and share with us all the learning’s and things which happened during the course weekends.”

The Chief Guest, Mr. Chandra Nataraja, Managing Director, Knorr-Bremse Technology Centre India Pvt. Ltd. then addressed the audience saying hefeels more like the Chief Host than a Chief Guest since Knorr- Bremse had 4 employees receiving their certificates! He mentioned “We looked at IGTC for our employees because at Knorr-Bremse we believe in the philosophy of “teach your employees so well that they are employable somewhere else. Treat them so well that they will never want to leave you”! He noted that the course was already showing positive effects amongst his employees, giving an example of Mr.  Deepak Joseph. “In the 2016 budget meeting, Deepak Joseph was “nowhere to be seen” but in 2017 meet he was right up there putting his inputs and arguments across with full for his department. Such is the power of the EBMP course!”

In a twist to the tale, Ms. Jaya Joshi, a much beloved faculty spontaneously made everyone participate in her “Lion Hunt” activity – an exercise in empowerment, which was another demonstration that studies in class was never boring!!!

The participants were then awarded their certificates while family members, faculty, colleagues and company mentors cheered them on in fervour. The evening was a memorable one for Mr. Yashodhan Marathe, Management Trainee-Finance, Coventya India Pvt. Ltd. who received his certificate from his father Mr. Marathe, Managing Director, Coventya India Pvt. Ltd.

Ms.  Radhieka Mehta, Director of The Indo German Training Centre concluded the event with the Vote of Thanks to all the dignitaries, company members, esteemed faculty of IGTC, participants and their family members for their presence. But no event at IGTC is complete without cake and so the participants along with their children made the occasion all the more special as they enthusiastically participated in the cake cutting ceremony.

The evening concluded on a euphoric note with the 28 participants proving that relationships and memories are to be treasured as much academic learning.

On 6^th August 2016, Radhieka R Mehta, Director, IGTC inaugurated & inducted the Executive Business Management Program (EBMP) 7^th Mumbai Batch 2016-2017. The batch consists of 30 participants with an increase in women’s participation, a refreshing change after an “all men” previous batch! And for the first time, the course includes a husband & wife team!

LANXESS India Pvt. Ltd. led the way by nominating 2 women employees and 2 men followed by Siemens Ltd with 3 nominations. Other participants are from Aegis Logistics Ltd., BASF India Ltd., DHL India, Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited,  Kiron Hydraulic Needs Pvt. Ltd., Knorr-Bremse Technology Centre India,  Linde Engineering India , Mercedes BenzIndia, Pressto Drycleaning & Laundry Pvt. Ltd., Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Rittal India Pvt. Ltd., Shaman Wheels Pvt. Ltd.,  Siemens Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.,  Siemens Technologies and Services , SMA Solar India Pvt. Ltd., Southern Cogen System Pvt. Ltd. and Star India Pvt. Ltd.companies.

As a part of the curriculum, all students pursue a Start A1 Deutschkurs(German Language Course, Beginners Level 1) conducted by the Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan. Students participate in several events such as the Indo-German Urban Mela, Oktoberfest and Christmas Market organized by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, thereby imbibing true German culture and spirit.

The IGTC program gives great emphasis and continuous attention on areas such as competency building, enhancing communication and presentation skills, encouraging initiative and expression of creative ideas, maintaining a healthy positive attitude, assuming responsibility and leadership roles. Role plays, management simulations, brainstorming, discussions and working in close groups are an integral part of the program. Students learn to solve problems by relying on one another’s strengths and expertise, building lasting bonds in the process.

21st Aug 2016

Certificate Awarding Ceremony of EBMP 6^th Mumbai Batch 2015 – 2016

“Sometimes in life you meet people who challenge you. They challenge the system and get you out of your comfort zone. These people change the status quo and force you to become better. These 19 professionals challenged me and IGTC into doing many new and successful things for the ‘first time’ and they will always be unforgettable for this contribution.”

These were the opening statements of Radhieka R Mehta, Director of the Indo German Training Centre as she hosted the Grand Certification Ceremony of the Executive Business Management Program, 6^th Mumbai Batch 2015-2016.  As she welcomed the business heads from the sponsoring organizations, the EBMP participants, their family members and the EBMP teaching faculty, she quoted, “I remain humbled before this outstanding audience, especially the League of Extra-ordinary Gentlemen (the EBMP Faculty), who have selflessly contributed to the development and growth of this program both in Mumbai and Pune.  We dedicate this evening to them and thank them profusely for their overwhelming support.”
 
The evening commenced with the welcome address by Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General of the Indo German Chamber of Commerce who began by congratulating all the participants and compared them to gold medalists of the Olympics. He stated “It’s always great to meet people who are prepared to learn, and with you it is very special because you are normally working, and you spend every other weekend learning and that is unique.  This is something I admire, as very few people are doing it now days because we think we don’t have the time. This is a big mistake because it is so critical to be updated, to have new views, and it’s also very important to basically go back to school”. He also congratulated the faculty saying “But today is even more special because for the first time we have all our trainers here. The people who make the gold medalists.”
 
After the welcome address, the floor was handed over to the “Band of Brothers” to share their learning experience at IGTC.  Vikas Nanda, Associate General Manager, Lanxess India Pvt. Ltd. was the first to address the audience, by virtue of the fact that he had a 100% attendance throughout the course and he was unanimously the “Big Brother” of the class.  He began by citing “Behind every successful man there is a woman. But here we have 19 boys, and it was purely their energy and camaraderie that brought me to class every alternate weekend.  We have spent a lot of time in the corporate world, we come from a lot of experience, but I am still taking a lot from here and I am going to implement it. My motto in life has always been one action is better than a thousand thoughts.  As an inspiration to my fellow classmates, I feel that everyone should have a dream and pursue it, however we should never be too old to laugh and have fun. There is a lot of difference between growing older and growing up. Growing older is inevitable but growing up is a choice.”
 
In an evening of many firsts, a mother and a spouse also took the floor.  Hansa Mathuria, the mother of Pranav Mathuria, Business Manager, Overseas Polymers Pvt. Ltd. who had missed his graduation ceremony in the USA, was overwhelmed to witness the completion of his EBMP course.  She quoted, “Pranav always had a deep desire to do his MBA, but circumstances did not allow him to do so.  Last year, he found out about this institute and he got the chance to fulfil his dream.  He not only got his knowledge and experience, but also a group of friends which became his family and worked together to achieve success.  The role of the faculty in guiding them was tremendous and I am immensely grateful to all of them.  I wish IGTC all the best in every way that they continue nurturing future students in life.”
 
To this Pranav Mathuria replied “In my life I have never had a role model but after this institute I have 15 role models – the professors. My sole purpose for joining the course was knowledge and coming here has been the best decision of my life. Career wise I don’t know where I am going to go but what I have learnt is amazing. This course has made me hungry for knowledge.
 
Mansi Vaidya, wife of Mr. Devang Vaidya, Regional Manager – Customer Relations, Siemens Ltd. took the stage.  “Due to the hectic work schedule of the participants, they don’t smile anymore. Managing people doesn’t give them time for themselves. This is his greatest gift from the course. He got time for himself. And he is happy. Before when he used to look at his mobile and smile, I would wonder why he is smiling; now I know it is the IGTC group. Thank you for bringing the happiness and smiles back”. Devang confessed that in spite of wanting to learn new things he thought a thousand times before joining the course. “The course has made us entrepreneurs, as we look at the overall picture. I now realize that an MBA or a management program such as IGTC is a must. Thank you for bringing the smile back to my face.”
 
Sebastian Kokkatt Senior Manager, Siemens Ltd. and Amit Manjure – Head Clinical Marketing, Siemens Ltd., who presented the Best Business Plan at the end of the program came forth to share their experience.  Sebastian Kokkatt stated, “At the end of the program, the two most important words that come to mind are Relevance and Transformation. Usually we have a lot of information with us, but it lies in our minds like data and it’s not updated. But the course gave us relevant and updated information related to today’s business world. During the course of transformation, all the information we have got converted to knowledge. The faculties have done a significant job.” Amit Manjure was quick to add, that there was a third word which was very important and that is Application.  “Whatever we learnt we were ask to apply, which meant we had to go back and read our notes. The application was an important learning about the capstone.  Overall most of us have come back to learning after long, but hearing the professors share their experiences was like watching a Roger Federer match or a Mohammed Rafi/ Asha Bhosle concert.”
 
Amidst a lot of cheer and applause, the Chief GuestVivek Kanade, Executive Vice President -Siemens Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. delivered his address to the young graduating professionals.  He started by narrating a time of learning for him, at the IIM convocation where Deepak Parekh mentioned that the world is big with big issues and is begging for big solutions. He then advised them saying “You have begun this course with a wealth of experience and in this last one year you have been thinking of creative ideas, plans, and strategies for the future.  But I would like to emphasize that you must ‘Think, Plan, Act, Do’. The thinking and planning has been done now. So now – DO.  A small letter world but challenges most companies. So as we step back to the real world, I urge every one of you to just DO and execute it right.”
 
Surabhi Mittal, Vice President – Head Human Resources and Administration, Lanxess India Pvt. Ltd., the Guest of Honour congratulated the batch first for remaining so young and enthusiastic, as well as for theirdetermination and self-awareness. “Your hunger for knowledge makes you young. The oldest guy in the room is someone who thinks they know it all. You are sitting here on this plethora of knowledge and combined with your work experience, it is truly a beautiful thing. You have experienced success and failures, which you can now relate to because of this course. You spirit and your self-driven attitude puts you in the category of successful people.”
 
The ceremony moved on with the felicitation of all the faculty. It was an atmosphere filled with deep respect and immense salutations, as each faculty came up to receive a token of appreciation with a scroll of gratitude from Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General, IGCC on behalf of the IGTC and the EBMP participants.  As per tradition, the batch had a video based on the theme of “The Expendables” which showcased their journey in good humour, before they came forth to collect their well-deserved and well-earned Executive Business Management Program Certificates.  The loudest cheer in the audience was from the ‘Band of Brothers’ as they called themselves!
 
Finally, Radhieka Mehta proposed a Vote of Thanks to all the dignitaries, company members, esteemed faculty, participants and their family members for their presence, and brought a most memorable evening to a formal closure.  But the night remained young as the faculty and EBMP participants competed with each other to win a coveted gift in a game of Antakshari, each one unveiling the singer in them as they sang to the fulfilment of their dreams, success, happiness and bonding that will last forever!

The third Indo-German HR Forum in 2016 was held on 9th August 2016 at the Schaeffler Group Head Office amidst the picturesque, lush green hills of Talegaon, Pune. Ms. Pallavi Sarkar and Ms. Pooja Velhal from the Human Resources team at Schaeffler did a remarkable job in organizing the meet led by Mr. Santanu Ghoshal, Vice President – Human Resources. The participating companies were BASF Group, Bayer India Limited, Bharat Forge, Bosch Group, Brose India Automotive Systems Pvt. Ltd., Evonik India Private Limited, Häfele India Pvt. Ltd., KSB Pumps Ltd., LANXESS India Private Limited, Man Trucks India Pvt. Ltd., Mercedes Benz India Pvt. Ltd., Siemens Limited, Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. and Wacker Chemie India Pvt Ltd.

The HR meet commenced with Mr. Dharmesh Arora, Managing Director of Schaeffler Group, introducing the organization followed by a presentation on ‘Employee Value Proposition’ (EVP) which perfectly set the tone for the theme of the day. He firmly believes that his motto ‘My machine, my cell, and my team development program’, creates an optimal operative workforce in the organization. And that the success of Schaeffler’s ‘Leadership Development Practices’ are based on 4 very simple words – ‘Empower, Create, Collaborate and Excel. He also spoke on the Change Management initiatives undertaken by Schaeffler which ensures transparency and uniformity in their HR processes and automation of their HR practices. He emphasized on “One Schaeffler India”, an initiative aimed at integrating all three identities of the group. The core idea of this initiative is Customer Centricity – building customer focus both internally and externally.

Mr. Shantanu Ghoshal, Vice President – Human Resource, Schaeffler during his presentation went on to state that EVP should be inspiring, distinctive, authentic and in line with the overall brand. He stressed on the importance of clean and articulate storyline of EVP. It could then be used as a recruitment and employee retention strategy which was defined as ‘Stickyness’. Mr. Ghoshal also shared with the participants the subsequent results of the qualitative research that was conducted by Schaeffler. It identified Working Environment, Career Development and Exposure and Challenging Assignments as the most critical factors perceived by employees. He concluded his presentation by mentioning that there is always a communication gap between what employers want to tell and what the audience wants to hear.

Schaeffler then invited participating companies, Siemens and BASF, to share and explain their EVP strategy. The videos “Ingenuity for Life” and “Sounds at Siemens” showcasing why Siemens felt the need to have an EVP impressed one and all. The Siemens’ team also received a huge round of applause when they announced that Siemens India was chosen as the Pilot Country for the global launch of EVP in the Siemens’ World. The highlight of BASF’s presentation on their successful EVP, strategy, based on their motto – ‘Connecting, Engaging, Caring and Learning’ was their ‘The Power of Connected Minds’ initiative.

The most thrilling part of the agenda then followed – the unique, hands-on driving experience of Concept Cars and Bikes, powered by E-Clutch. This has been developed by the advance vehicle engineering team at Schaeffler! This engaging experience was followed by ‘Life at Capgemini’, a presentation by Mr. Jonas Prasanna, Head – Talent Brand and Social Recruitment, highlighting the importance of understanding EVP. He concluded with the phrase ‘great content makes people want to share, care or swear’.

At the end of the day, everyone was convinced that ’Culture trumps Strategy.’