Brand Value

Anybody who's ever studied marketing, or is not an ape understands the importance of brand value. There's a reason you'd rather have jeans from Levis' than from Koutons. And sometimes vice-versa. Similarly, there is a reason companies would want to recruit from IIT's rather than state colleges. And that reason is simple, the IIT's, live Levis' have withstood the test of time and their quality is still the best in the market.

Most colleges live and breathe because they have individual identities, take my college for example, its the most famous faculty of engineering of any university in the world. And now, it has become an IIT. Its potential, at this point of time is immense. Consider the facts-
a) It is next to IIT-K(300km), so the logical thing for any company that's recruiting is to visit both institutes simultaneously.
b) The funding will increase, and we still have some empty space for construction.
c) Most of the labs exist, and have space, only the equipment needs maintenance or renewal. New equipment will have a place to rest.
d) We are still emotionally a part of Banaras Hindu University, which may not be the best, but certainly is one of the most famous universities in the world.

At this point in time, it is important for us to show solidarity and to build upon our potential, and the first step to that is to popularize one name. Our (new) institute has a weird name, different from the other IIT's and therefore there is bound to be a whole lot of confusion regarding what to write on our CV's or online profiles on Facebook or LinkedIn. Everyone will have a different opinion on what will appeal to our potential employers. IIT-V may sound cooler than IIT(BHU), Varanasi, but we have to admit that the 2nd name is what we actually are.
For most of the older students it may seem weird changing over from the old name to the new, and maybe a bit pretentious, but we need to get over it, and fast.
I suggest, for starters that we all switch to one group on Facebook, and update our About Us to Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi. Perhaps even let the WMG (Web Management Group) students run this group. Individual branches are encouraged to create their own groups and suggest to their members to join the most popular group for IIT(BHU)-V on Facebook. When we get back to college, we will try and find a way to communicate what is the best thing to write on your CV's, or for interns. Also, we should try and get in touch with our alumni's and keep them in the loop.
That's how we will build our brand value.

Forza Azzurri

Now that the Italians have knocked my favourites out of the tournament, I have no option but to support them today. The Italians have always been a fantastic team to watch, not for the football they play, but the entertainment they provide. When they had Rossi, and Dino and then Maldini, Nesta, Del Piero and Totti, one could forgive their eccentricity because of their brilliance. Now though, its another story.

Chiellini is a decent defender, an effective aerial threat from set-pieces, and looks like a monkey most of the time. When the ref books him, he'll just pull a face and escape a yellow card. And the chicks love his thighs.

Not laughing anymore.

The Italian midfield is typical Italian midfield, hard tackling, flamboyant, cursing, swearing. But this time its a little more aggressive than before. More offensive, actively passing the ball around and trying to create chances rather than relying on counter-attacks and the acuity of their strikers. Pirlo is at his imperious best, Montolivo is very smooth and finds himself in with the chances, but lacks the talent to finish. Marchisio is a threat as substitute and De Rossi reminds us of the Italy of old.

de Rossi. Lesbian.

Their forwards, Balotelli and Cassano are combining really well upfront. I can see them score a goal tonight.
I hope Italy wins. But more than that, I hope Spain loses, so that I can like them again.