'I Don't Give A Lot Of Thought': Navya Nanda Reacts To IIM Ahmedabad Trolling

Navya Naveli Nanda reacted to the negative comments about her admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. The social media figure and celebrity heiress addressed the trolls during a recent interview at an event by India Today, where she spoke about the criticism that comes with being in the public eye and other vital topics about her profession. "It’s essential for me to look at feedback; it will only make me a better person, a better entrepreneur, and a better Indian," she commented.

Navya's Reaction To Trolls

Navya spoke about her views on social media, she said, "Social media has been a great platform because it’s given a lot of people a voice, a lot of people who previously might not have that kind of reach." She said that she believes constructive feedback is an important part of her life as it helps her in personal growth. 

She tactfully addressed the speculations about her making it to IIM-A only due to her familial influence. "If I consider myself to be working for people, I don’t think I can be offended by what they say... I accept that I come from a very different lived reality. People will have something to say about that."

However, she remains focused on her goals and ambitions, emphasising that her responsibility is to herself and her work. She added, "I don’t give a lot of thought to what people say negatively; I use it to do the best I can do in my journey.” 

Navya, an entrepreneur and the daughter of Shweta Bachchan and Nikhil Nanda and granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, recently embarked on a new academic journey, enrolling to a two-year BPGP MBA program.

Navya Naveli Nanda's Academic Journey at IIM Ahmedabad

Navya shared her excitement on Instagram, posting several pictures from the campus and expressing her happiness at this milestone. She put up a post writing, "Dreams do come true!!! Home for the next 2 years... with the best people & faculty! BPGP MBA Class of 2026.” In the first image, she is seen wearing a black suit while standing next to the iconic IIM sign. 

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A post shared by Navya Naveli Nanda (@navyananda)

Navya also shared pictures of the campus and introduced her new friends, giving a glimpse of her life at the prestigious institute. One of the photos featured her cutting a cake, with a note of gratitude to her teacher, Prasad, for helping her prepare for the CAT/IAT entrance exams that got her into the program.

Did Navya Really Take the CAT?

Soon after Navya's social media announcement, many were taken aback by her admission to such a prestigious institution. Some questioned how she secured a spot, while others dismissed her course as not being a "real MBA." There was also speculation among users about whether she gained admission through a "quota." 

The primary reason for their curiosity lies in the unique admission criteria at IIM, which include standardised test scores like the Common Admission Test (CAT) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These scores are typically used by most IIMs to assess a candidate's aptitude and preparedness for the demanding program.

However, on September 2, an IIM Ahmedabad professor addressed the chatter on X. Promila Agarwal, an associate professor at IIM-A, commented on the high-profile student, stating, "She has a solid CV, by the way. You don't necessarily need CAT. Regardless, kudos to everyone for signing up for a rigorous program. PS: Like other students, I’m looking forward to her posts complaining about the tough life at IIM-A."

She got solid CV btw*. U don't necessarily need CAT. Link**. Irrespective, hats off to everyone for being courageous enough to sign up for rigorous program.

PS: Just like other students, looking forward to her posts cribbing abt hard life at IIMA 😂 https://t.co/MMx5Y4XdbW

— Promila Agarwal (@promila_agarwal) September 2, 2024

Her Vision for the Future of Young India

Before her journey to IIM, Navya was known for hosting her own podcast, What the Hell, Navya, alongside her grandmother Jaya and mother Shweta. The podcast focused on conversations about feminism and the role of women in society. In a conversation with SheThePeople, 26-year-old Navya Naveli Nanda, an entrepreneur and advocate for women's rights, shared her optimism about India's youth and their potential. Navya, who is also the founder of Project Naveli, a non-profit focused on gender equality in India, emphasised the significant responsibility that comes with this potential.

She remarked, "I think there’s so much happening and it’s a great time to be a young person in India. However, as young Indians, we must now take responsibility for pushing more on this growth and all carry the legacy of changemakers before us. I believe in young India and I know we have some incredible minds and some amazing ideas, and I am grateful and lucky to be a part of this India. I am sure five years down the line we will be having a conversation about how young India has furthered the achievements and greatness that are happening today.”