A Warrior’s Odyssey at IIM Nagpur
As the sun dipped low, marking the beginning of a new chapter at Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIMN), for the newly inducted batch of 2023-25, a different call echoed – the call of ‘Taiketsu: The Ultimate Showdown’. A battle awaited, forging legends and testing alliances.
On July 19, 2023, Indo-Japan Research Center (IJRC) of IIMN conducted the event of Taiketsu on the campus. The campus transformed into a battleground, divided into four houses embodying the seasons – Haru (Spring), Natsu (Summer), Aki (Autumn), and Fuyu (Winter). Under the moon’s gaze, we were sorted into teams, each representing the months defining our respective seasons. Dressed in house colours, faces painted, and adorned with symbols of allegiance, we prepared for a relentless war – three rounds of fierce confrontation testing our unity.
In the inaugural round of Taiketsu, we dove deep into the heart of Japan through a challenging quiz. The questions tested not just our knowledge but our connection with the rich cultural tapestry of this land.
For the second round, the atmosphere shifted as we embraced the Seiza position, the formal and traditional way of sitting in Japan. Houses competed for supremacy, holding their ground until the last, aiming for the coveted maximum points that would set them apart.
As the tension heightened, the third round unfolded, requiring us to decipher the beauty of the Japanese language. Reading Japanese characters became a dance of comprehension with one member from each team navigating the script with precision.
The climax of Taiketsu came with the ancient art of Sumo wrestling, a powerful embodiment of strength and strategy. Teams grappled in a final showdown, determination etched on every face, echoing the spirit of warriors on the sacred dohyo.
The event concluded not just with winners and participants but with a shared experience that transcended the physical and mental challenges. Taiketsu, in its entirety, has become a journey through the essence of Japan, testing our knowledge, cultural adaptability, and physical prowess.
As we left the battleground, the echoes of the day lingered, a reminder that Taiketsu was not just a competition but an exploration, a celebration of the spirit that unites us in our diverse academic journey.