Whenever, if ever, I see you again.

It’s been a long day without you my friend,
And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again.

We’ve come a long way, from where we began,
I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again, when I see you again.

– Lyrics from Fast and Furious 7 – A Tribute Song to Paul Walker

It started last June…a class of 20 students from varied background as all enrolled in the Advanced Integrated Communication Programme (AICP) at Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC) – then all were strangers – now almost a family.

Being a weekend program, all of us met on Saturdays and Sundays, and despite being working professionals, and some married with additional responsibilities to handle, each one of us waited for the next weekend…well, for several reasons – to study in library, chitchat in canteen, gossip (exchange of information – some relevant to the course and mostly otherwise), gain knowledge, admire the handsome faculty, socialize after class, enjoy the Sunday chef special lunch…and many to add.

And now that the course is over and after the convocation there is a sense of emptiness – it has been a habit for the last one year to wake up early every Sunday to catch 8.55 am train to Fort…but now you wake up just to realize that this journey is over.

XIC is a memory…a beautiful one. It is a destination blessed with the wealth of knowledge. It is not just a college but an institution you are associated with for life.

View From XIC Window

Xavier’s College During Istoria 2014

Here, I have had some of my best memories, interacted with some of the best professors in the field of Advertising & Communication, and met some best people who are very dear friends now.

Today, again I woke up to catch a local, this time it is a different journey, yet the XIC memories are afresh in my mind, and when I think of my batch mates I wonder if all 20 of us will ever meet again – all at once, at the same time and at the same place. To be connected on WhatsApp and Facebook isn’t similar to us being together at XIC.

We have, indeed, come a long way from where we began, and I wonder how much information I will have to share with each one, whenever, if ever, I see you again.

I am glad that I got the opportunity to be associated with a prestigious institution, and I wish all my dear batch mates Good Luck in all their future endeavours!

AICP Convocation

– Ashu Bolar

12.04.2015 | 7 AM – Happiness Touches Bandra :)

Yes, today XIC AICP Batch ensured happiness touched Bandra 🙂 🙂 🙂

Th Advanced Integrated Communication Batch (AICP) 2014-2015 from Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC), Fort spread smiles across the Equal Street at Bandra Linking Road. From adults to kids to babies to the silvers…all participated in the activities.

Activities involved Art Attack (Face Painting and Tattoos), Write ‘I’m Happy Because…”, Games (Lemon & Spoon; Cups, Bottles and Balls), Smiley Sticker Selfies, Streetfies, Bindass Band, Student’s Band and Street Play by NGO Kids.

Started at 7 AM today, the activities went on till 10:45 AM and would have continued further if Equal Streets time wasn’t limited till 11 AM.

There were unlimited “I’m Happy Because” messages on the smiley flex like I am in love; I am going to the US, Evil Exams are over, It’s Equal Streets, Happy Forever, I am Single…which people were eager to write and click in line with the current the selfie mania.

Here are some ‘Happiness’ clicks for you…

     

To see more Happy Clicks, like AICPXICEqualStreets

Till my next post, be happy, keep smiling and take care! 🙂

…Ashu Bolar

I am happy because…

Happy…happiness…like everything today has become instant…transient…lasting for a short duration yet bringing smile on your face…

So what makes you happy?

On asking this question randomly, some answers were…

I am happy because…

…I am in love (hope that’s not instant coffee types)

…I love music (okay)

…I am going for a vacation (that is a happy factor provided your boss approves your leave 😉 )

…I am going on a date tonight (good for you)

…I cleared my medical tests (me too happy for you…heath is indeed wealth)

…my exams got over (yes it’s happiness indeed especially when they are boards exams)

…my life is awesome (really? To me again awesome is another instant thingy. I wish your life is really awesome.)

…life is beautiful (yep it is…although temporarily and in fragments)

…life is all roses (rose plant unfortunately comes with thorns)

…dad promised to get ice cream tonight (kids are the happy lot. And Mr. Dad don’t forget the ice cream!)

Well, currently I am happy because I am confident and independent.

Confidence + Independence = Happiness

Confidence makes you do right things and even if you have wronged somewhere it still will help you sail through. That brings satisfaction…a smile on your face…happiness, right?

And it is a big thing to be independent – physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and financially – another reason for that peace goodnight sleep.

In short, be it short-term or long-term, happiness is something that brings a smile on your face and is the reason why you sleep peacefully. That’s my definition and my understanding.

My reason for happiness may not be your reason and your reason could be the reason for my happiness in some part of my life in the future (an instant thingy or long term thingy…who knows!!!)…And in words of Benard Melzer, “Happiness is like kiss. You must share it to enjoy it.”

So come share your reason/s for happiness with AICP students from Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC) on Sunday, 12th April 2015 at Equal Streets, Bandra Linking Road (Mumbai) from 7 AM – 11 AM. You won’t get to kiss anyone, but for sure you will have a Sunday morning well spent 😉

Join us, Smile with us 🙂

Happiness is not just an experience, but also a memory. Come join us and create some wonderful memories 🙂

…Ashu Bolar (AICP-XIC Student)