Viswanath Ramaswamy

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

“I’m a resilient learner with a growth mindset and exceptional people management abilities.”

Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Fun fact about yourself: Cooking and playing the violin helps me unwind and manage my thoughts.

Undergraduate School and Degree: B.E (Mechanical) from K.J.Somaiya College of Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Co-founder & Director Kabir Café (Suno Bhai Sadho Pvt. Ltd.) – a folk-fusion music band exclusively performing the verses of the 15th Century mystic, Kabir.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? NA

Where will you be working after graduation? Medius Technologies Pvt. Ltd. as a Business Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: Actively engaged as a key member of the Treasury Committee. Spearheaded the coordination of musical performances for various events throughout the academic program.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Composing and Recording the Exclusive Anthem for our PGPX course, harnessing the power of music as a collaborative platform, uniting the current cohort and alumni.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Our capacity to touch millions of lives through over 850 performances across 14 countries, spreading the uplifting values of the mystic saint Kabir and bringing hope and joy to those who may be struggling with depression or unhappiness.

Why did you choose this business school? I was attracted to the esteemed reputation and global recognition of IIM Ahmedabad, which utilizes a case study methodology involving over 200 real-world cases. This approach placed students in challenging scenarios, encouraging them to make decisions under uncertainty and tight deadlines. Furthermore, my interest in the Individual Research Program (IRP), which offers guidance and mentorship from an experienced professor, reinforced my decision to choose IIM Ahmedabad.

Who was your favourite MBA professor? I greatly admired Professor Sunil Sharma for his ability to teach complex concepts effortlessly by incorporating real-life business scenarios and problem-solving techniques. Working on a project under his guidance provided me with valuable insights into his effective problem-solving approach and methodology.

What was your favourite course as an MBA? I thoroughly enjoyed the Marketplaces and Platforms course as it offered me comprehensive insights into the workings and business strategies of various platforms. In today’s interconnected world, where we engage with numerous platforms daily, this course deepened my understanding of their business models and how they relate to their practical applications and usability.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? Attending Manthan, the knowledge-sharing event, enabled me to establish personal connections with seniors, gaining valuable insights and clarifying expectations. The Alumni Meet-up, a treasured tradition, provided me with an opportunity to interact with esteemed alumni, who offered inspiration and guidance for my future pursuits.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? In the beginning phase of my MBA studies, I found myself overly preoccupied with achieving high grades, leading to feelings of anxiety. Looking back, I wish I had prioritized enjoying the learning journey and fully embracing the experience, acknowledging the significant personal growth taking place within me. While I did eventually come to this realization, the period of anxiety lasted for three months.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth that I encountered regarding IIM Ahmedabad was its rigorous academic program compared to other leading business schools in India. This turned out to be accurate. The initial two terms proved to be academically demanding, involving pre-reading, case analyses, post-class assignments, unexpected quizzes, and exams. Nonetheless, the positive aspect of this academic intensity lies in its capacity to equip us for diverse intellectual challenges, fostering an ability to anticipate the unforeseen and expand our cognitive capabilities to handle multiple tasks and analytical processes.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Ahmedabad boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a haven for food enthusiasts with its wide variety of delicacies spanning multiple cuisines. Being a food lover myself, I was thoroughly impressed by the wide selection available, and I eagerly seized any opportunity to indulge in the delicious food offerings found in the city’s restaurants.

What surprised you the most about business school? I was pleasantly surprised by the degree to which the academic rigor at IIM Ahmedabad stretched and enriched my intellectual capabilities. Alongside, the diverse group of peers offered invaluable insights into various perspectives, aiding me in expressing my views authentically and fostering tremendous confidence in my abilities. I was particularly amazed by the humility and unwavering support extended by both faculty and alumni, creating a holistic MBA experience that I know will stay with me for years to come.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Among my batchmates, each possesses their own distinct qualities, yet one individual whom I deeply admire is Mr. Dwibesh Nath. While I pride myself on resilience, witnessing Dwibesh’s unwavering determination surpasses my own. Despite coming from a rural background, studying in a vernacular medium, and facing numerous academic setbacks, his never-give-up attitude and ability to learn valuable lessons from every circumstance, carrying forward only the positives, is a trait that commands my admiration.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My professional bucket list includes two primary goals:

1) Establishing a platform dedicated to creating sustainable livelihoods for India’s folk artists. India’s cultural diversity extends beyond its languages to encompass its rich folk music traditions, particularly evident in rural areas where unique art forms emerge every 50 kilometers. Unfortunately, many artists struggle to sustain themselves, leading to a decline in intergenerational transmission of their art and legacy. By fostering sustainable livelihoods, we can preserve these endangered art forms and provide people with the opportunity to experience the soulful music that remains largely inaccessible.

2) Founding an organization aimed at systematically utilizing music to address mental and psychological health issues. Music possesses inherent healing properties, yet the field of music therapy, which explores its potential to address mental health challenges, remains fragmented and lacks credibility. This initiative seeks to raise awareness and promote trust in music therapy as a legitimate therapeutic approach, encouraging individuals to actively seek its benefits.

What made Viswanath such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Prior to IIM Ahmedabad, Viswanath Ramaswamy used to have a music band where he was also the leading violin player. In my strategy class, I discuss the relevance of analogical thinking for strategies. Viswanath has a special talent in terms of bringing insights from the field of music and applying them to business problem-solving. As part of an independent project, he conceptualized a platform for budding musicians to solve the problem of access and opportunity.”

Professor Sunil Sharma

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024