Campus Diaries – Anisha Pal

Somewhere between running around in little blue frocks, morning assemblies, and music classes, G.D. Birla Centre for Education did more than just educating me, it shaped me to become the person that I am today.

As I reflect on my professional journey spanning public relations, marketing, event management, and digital storytelling, I find myself going back to my roots and how it all began within the halls of G.D. Birla.

A Truly Multicultural Canvas

Long before I worked with international authors or conducted interviews with global organisations, G.D. Birla had already introduced me to cultural plurality. Even though I absolutely hated it in school, to think of it now, the fact that we were shuffled every year and put in different sections was a very important and early step in learning how to communicate with fellow classmates of different socio-cultural backgrounds. Our school was a melting pot of ideas, identities, and voices that taught us to develop a liberal, inclusive, and tolerant mindset from our early days, something that proved to be an asset while being a global citizen. Whether it was through literature fests, celebrating the different festivals, or Model United Nations simulations, I was constantly encouraged to look beyond the textbook and into the world.That exposure sparked my interest in stories, not just the ones written in books, but the lived experiences of people. That early fascination eventually translated into a full-fledged career in storytelling, whether through blogs, PR campaigns, or event branding.

The Teachers Who Taught Me to Think, Not Just Study

One of the most defining aspects of my schooling experience was the emphasis on free thinking. I owe it to the incredible teachers at G.D. Birla who nurtured curiosity over conformity. They never forced an answer but guided me to ask better questions. It’s no surprise that I went on to study English Literature at Presidency University and just completed a second master’s in marketing at Trinity College Dublin, disciplines that require both analytical rigor and creative thought. I remember the intense classroom discussions, the way we were encouraged to challenge ideas respectfully, and how our opinions, no matter how unpolished, mattered. That open-minded environment has stayed with me and serves me every day in strategic roles that demand critical thinking, empathy, and articulation.

Where My Love for the Arts Took Flight and Leadership Capabilities Developed

Be it creative writing, poetry, or organizing school fests, I thrived in G.D. Birla’s extracurricular ecosystem. From directing plays and writing scripts for Rabindra Jayanti, to attending Spicmacay events outside school, these formative experiences not only built my confidence and ignited my love for arts and culture but also helped me hone my leadership skills. Years later, I would go on to manage major cultural festivals like “The India Story” and “International Literature Festival Dublin,” liaise with global artists, and even raise funds for social causes through theatre. Those early days of stage fright and curtain calls were in fact training grounds for something much bigger. I cannot help but mention how 3 seasons of Spectrum taught me perseverance, leadership, and the ability to work in teams, things that you can only learn by doing.

The Foundation of Strong Communication

In today’s world, strategic communication is the key in every field. We are burdened with content. Therefore, what is important is how you say it, rather than what you say. G.D. Birla wasn’t just about academic excellence; it was about finding your voice. From elocution contests to reading the news headlines at morning assemblies, communication was woven into our day-to-day life. Today, whether I’m crafting a marketing campaign for social media, or negotiating a sponsorship deal, I lean on those foundational skills built during my school years. My journey from a curious student to a global marketing professional wasn’t accidental. It was nurtured, shaped, and constantly inspired by my time at G.D. Birla Centre for Education.

In Gratitude

If I’ve been able to make an impact, be it through social initiatives, cultural projects, or professional roles, it’s because I stood on the shoulders of mentors who believed in me early on. G.D. Birla was not just a school; it was my first stage, my first audience, and my first cheerleader. I am certain that it is the same for all of us, because even in this far away land in Ireland, I meet so many people from our school who share the same sentiment. To the teachers, the peers, and the memories, thank you. You taught me not just how to fare well in exams, but to be an empathetic person.

Anisha Pal
Marketing Intern, Trinity College Dublin
MSc Marketing student, Trinity Business School.
ISC year 2016