National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai one of the top 8 B Schools of India had a unique guest on board during the first week of March.

The institute was graced by the presence of Mr Minocher Patel, the founder director of “Ecole Solitaire” India’s first residential finishing school and also an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and corporate trainer.

Amidst the maddening zeal with which the B school students derive themselves, concentrate on the business of doing business and learn the nuisances of how the world functions, they somehow loose themselves and there identity and probably what they truly stand for. The high stress work life and maintaining a healthy work life balance seems to be an impossible task, formidable for most. It hence becomes imperative that these aimless flights do touch down for a reality check every now and then. And hence the director of the college Prof. AD Awale invited Mr Patel to the lush green campus for a session with the NITIEites. Speakers like Mr Patel act as the guides in an ATC tower. They would help students redefine not only there flight but also the direction of there flight, only too reach higher and more open spaces with a whole new world, equipped with the right attitude and outlook.

Mr. Patel kept the audiences in captivated and the realization sunk into the teachers and the 180 students who were sitting in the audience to question our attitude towards ourselves, others and life in general. It also made each one of us take responsibility of what happens to us and our lives. We all felt that we could take control of our lives once again.

Mr. Patel’s tremendous personality, unequivocal voice, unmatched conviction and great sense of humor was so potent that nobody could escape the magic of it.

This is what some of us (students) had to say about Mr. Minocher Patel

"Most of us could relate to him so much. It seemed to be the easiest thing to do. Mr. Patel is not like the conventional speakers. He has something about him which makes everybody around him feel good about life and oneself. Mr. Patel makes the simple fundamental truth that “attitude determines altitude” sink in with so much of conviction and ease. It was a pleasure listening to him. I specially liked the post session informal chat that he had with all of us. I would recommend more of the B Schools and other institutes to make such kind of sessions an integral part of an Institues life."

There are certain moments of truth that change a persons life for good. They come like flashes of light and life. Mr. Patel is so young that when one looks at him it’s hard to believe that there is so much depth in him and so much wisdom lies in what he says. It’s only once that he starts speaking that one realizes there is no greater power than the power of words, words of knowledge, wisdom and truth. Mr. Patel talked about how the right outlook and attitude can change our lives and that of those around us. But it’s not just talking about it, it’s believing in it that makes all the difference. Anybody can hold the helm when the sea is calm but true strength comes out only in the toughest of times. Mr. Patel inspired and enchanted the audience and I am very sure that whosoever listens to him can never forget that day, because that day somewhere, somehow, even though a little, but his/her life changes for good, for sure.

“Wisdom begins in wonder” and Mr. Patel made me wonder.

I was infused with energy and enthusiasm. It felt as if someone has just switched me on.

“One cannot discover new oceans unless one has the courage to let go of the shore”. All our lives we keep struggling, struggling to get an education, get a good job, struggle for personal happiness…today’s era can be rightly named as the “era of struggles”. With the ever increasing pressures and stress related diseases/problems it becomes imperative that we have a healthy mind, body and soul. And if there is one person/one thing that can make all the difference and lead one to happiness, it is “thy self”. This is what I realized the day I heard Mr. Patel. Needless to say there is nothing more one can ask for from a speaker.

All that I can say is that Mr. Minocher Patel’s sessions are like a breath of fresh air for all those who have long waited. They are like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. It was a pleasure listening to him.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”. In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins. Not through strength but through perseverance. The session we had with Mr. Minocher Patel at our institute made me realize all this. He left us with a strange smile. A smile that comes to me whenever I think of it.

You are very interesting to listen to, since you are a charismatic person, with a very Professional way of delivering your message.

It was interesting and informative session. It was really amazing how you made it an interactive workshop for each and every individual.

Your workshop was a great confidence booster. Your style of interacting is remarkable, with a fantastic sense of humour

I love the delivery style of Mr. Patel. He speaks so confidently, adds humor, answers everybody’s queries and gives practical solutions. He is an amazing orator and its fun to be in his class.

The workshop was stimulating and knowledge oriented. It contained skills which can be practically implemented.

You have made a big difference in my life. You motivated me so much that I believe I can achieve anything in life

You have influenced my life in a great way. You have changed my way of thinking.You are my role model.

The training games helped us built team spirit amongst ourselves. Now I understood the importance of working in a team all thanks to Mr. Patel.