Manoj Singh Negi

What would you do if your dream seemed out of reach, your chances slim, and the odds stacked against you? My journey to IIMC Dhenkanal wasn’t just about overcoming challenges; it was a rollercoaster ride of missteps, last-minute decisions, and a trip that almost cost me my seat. In 2023, I had filled out the CUET form with the intent of pursuing a master’s degree. But on the day of the exam, I found myself at my graduation college dealing with document work. My HOD, Dr. Prerna Tripathi, was furious. “Why didn’t you appear for the exam?” she demanded. Her disappointment followed me throughout the year, and every time I saw her, she reminded me of the opportunity I had missed. Fast forward to 2024, I decided to try again, but my initial plans didn’t include IIMC. After consulting friends, I applied for CUET alongside applications to Makhanlal Chaturvedi University (MCU) for MBA and a Master’s in Digital Media. Since there isn’t a master’s course in photojournalism in India—my...

In just a few short years, esports in India has evolved from niche entertainment into a major cultural and economic force, reflecting the nation’s growing engagement with gaming. India’s gaming industry has deep cultural roots, with traditional games like chess and kabaddi forming the foundation for the thriving digital gaming scene we see today. As per the FICCI-EY report (2021) esports players has skyrocketed from 150,000 in 2021 to 600,000 in 2022, and projections estimate that this figure will reach 1.5 million by 2027. The Indian gaming market, valued at INR 33,000 crore in 2023, is expected to double to INR 66,000 crore by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. This surge is largely driven by India’s youthful demographic—approximately 65% of the population is under 35 years old. This tech-savvy generation is not just consuming content but actively participating in it, making India one of the fastest-growing esports markets globally. As Prime...