Anecdotes from the life of a literature student-4

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Group Discussion (stage-1) 

We were thus waiting for the topic to be announced for 5-10 minutes. That was the most annoying period of my life time. Each minute took eternity to elapse. We ten were utterly clueless about what was going to happen. The ambiance was maddeningly calm. Finally the topics were announced at the same time to all the eight groups. 

We got "The role of mass media in the growth of our nation". My brain took a couple of minutes to process the related data; hands rushed to take out the notepad and pen; but my mouth! those pair of freaking lips, betrayed me for a minute as if they were glued invisibility.  
The most crucial minute— the beginning minute... "The one who kick-starts the GD will have advantage. Don't miss that!!!" — the first rule read out by the HR was resonating in my mind. But I couldn't open my mouth. 

It was humiliating. I felt all the ten pairs of eyes, frowning at me. Obviously for hurdling the smooth beginning of the discussion with my stupid nerdiness. I dragged my lips shut and waited for someone else to start. 

There was a guy from  the department of Physics (probably a Post graduate student) who spoke so eloquently as if he were the reincarnation of Einstein or Edison. Every single sentence was dotted with real-life instances, analogies and allusions. 

After hearing his brief, I looked at my notepad. Some two to three sentences which hardly made any sense. Nonetheless, I was not that quick to budge. I kept squeezing and wracking my brain; observed others too. There were two more students from UG Commerce who were also as tough as that physics guy. I just admired the way, they put forth their views— deliberate yet confident. 

I even replicated the same fashion when my turn came. Though my points were clichéd and insignificant compared to others', I uttered them confidently and was waiting for the end of the group discussion (stage-1). It had been intimated that the GD would have three stages. 

We all participated cheerfully. We briefed; we elaborated; we listened; we admitted; we agreed; we disagreed; ultimately we reached the end of the stage-1. 

The same physics guy concluded the discussion in an electrifying manner. I couldn't help admiring his presence of mind and gift of gab. The posh HR himself was visibly moved. He wrapped up the discussion and showed green to some three from the ten of us. (Undoubtedly the physics guy was the first) I was of course not in those three. I felt something choking me and thought I was done with. 
But....


(To be continued...)


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