On 26th May 2024, we IKians embarked on an unforgettable offsite adventure and swapped our home office for a beach lounger, the hum of daily life for the sound of crashing waves, and virtual meetings for real-life conversations. We had finally arrived in Goa!
Curiosity filled our minds as we anticipated meeting our black video screen camaraderie, wondering how different they might be from their online personas.
Our adventure unfolded at the exquisite Holiday Inn in Cavelossim, Goa. This event wasn’t just a break from our routines; it was an opportunity to invigorate our digital camaraderie with a fresh burst of energy and make lasting connections that turn into lifelong friendships.
The two day event was filled with the vivacious energy of 160 IKites flying in from 34 different cities across the country!
Day 1: Arrival and Sundowner Extravaganza
By midday, all the IKites had arrived at the resort, and the lobby buzzed with smiling faces and eclectic energy. Curiosity was at an all-time high, while we exchanged warm handshakes and hugs, and were greeted with welcome drinks and delightful goodie bags.
After a delicious lunch, the entire organization, decked out in our quirky tees, gathered for the sundowner event.
The tees became an instant hit, sparking lively conversations and spontaneous photo sessions.
We kicked off the event on a vibrant note by releasing biodegradable IK balloons and sending a wave of good vibes into the overcast Goa sky while being grateful for the clouds for providing us a respite from the typical scorching Goa heat.
After capturing the quintessential group photo, arguably the most significant event of the offsite, the team gathered for a spirited game of dodgeball. It was Team A versus Team B, with the goal to eliminate the most opponents in the shortest time. Ah, what a perfect outlet it must be to target those who might make your life challenging! But thankfully, the team managed to break the ice without breaking any bones, and laughter filled the air as everyone bonded over the fun.
Following the essential “informal” introductions, team members dropped their inhibitions and eagerly exchanged names, with some impressively recalling up to ten new names. Now, ain’t that a great return on investment!
And that brings us to the final event of the evening before we transitioned to a musical night by the band “The Lavina Soares Ensemble”. It was the highly anticipated fitness challenge to crown the “strongest man and woman” of IK. The competition was fierce: the men battled to see who could endure the most push-ups, while the women faced off in a plank challenge. The atmosphere was electric, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. The winners not only earned bragging rights but also took home cash prizes of up to four thousand!
The evening concluded with a delicious dinner and endless conversations.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Scavenger Hunts, and Evening Bash
The next morning we had a relaxing start with the choice of beach or pool time. While most preferred to sleep or go to bed in the bright hours of the morning, some enjoyed their refreshing dip in the ocean or lounging by the pool & photo sessions around the lush green resort.
After breakfast, we dove into an exhilarating scavenger hunt. IKites dashed around the resort, scouring every nook and cranny in search of clues. The competition was fierce!
While all teams showcased impressive skills and determination, the winner was the illustrious “Business – Switchup.”
By the end of the hunt, we had done more than just solve puzzles; we bonded & forged stronger connections beyond professional reciprocity.
As the evening approached, the real magic began. We kicked off the event with a beat boxing session by Tadam band member – Sunil Suresh. He was incredible! It was a lot of fun, the delightful attempt at the least.
Following this, Tadam – Rythm of Souls took the stage with an exhilarating performance. Their music was electric, raw & enigmatic. They didn’t just play for us; they curated a musical experience unlike any other!
The band taught us to create beats using the Djembe, leading into a lively face-off between two teams to see who could get the rhythm right. It surely put our musical intelligence to the test, phew!
The session concluded with a performance by our vivacious co-founder – Ryan. He sang and led us in playing the iconic “We Will Rock You” beats on the Djembe, bringing the evening to an unforgettable close.
Following this was an address by our dynamic founders and the presentation of fun awards in various lighthearted and controversial categories. Ryan shared his insights on the business plan for the year, laying out an exciting roadmap for IK. Soham then took us through the core values of the organization, reinforcing the principles that guide us. Their speeches were both inspiring and engaging, perfectly setting the tone for the year ahead.
Next up was a team painting activity. This however was unlike any other team building activity. We were divided into ten groups and the aim was to co-create the IK logo on canvas & put it together like a polyptych. Chaos quickly seeped in as teams scrambled to collect points to obtain more painting tools or coordinated with different groups for measurements.
Paint flew, ideas collided, and in the midst of the chaos, a masterpiece almost emerged! But regardless of the final artwork, it was the teamwork, the laughter, and the occasional paint fight that made this activity absolutely unforgettable.
Finally, the night concluded with a spectacular performance by the incredibly talented standup comedian, Saikiran. His relatable and hilarious jokes, delivered with a deadpan expression, had us in stitches. From poking fun at virtual meetings to highlighting the quirks of working from home, Saikiran’s performance was a perfect ending to an unforgettable evening.
The night was still young, and the dance floor beckoned. It pulsed with energy as everyone regardless of hierarchy, grooved and bonded over Bollywood music. Outside the dance floor, groups were seen having lively conversations, clicking pictures, or bonding in their rooms over fruit juices and milkshakes and embracing the late-night socializing sessions.
The informality and the friendship that emerged made this event truly heartwarming. Perceptions about people changed as we saw different sides of each other, far removed from the usual work environment.
Day 3: Farewell Breakfast and Departure
The final day began with a hearty breakfast, where teams seemed closer than ever before. We reminisced about the past two days, sharing our favorite moments and inside jokes. As we prepared to depart, there was a palpable sense of unity and gratitude in the air. A group photo was given as a memento, a small token of the unforgettable experience we shared together, until next time.
A Catalyst for Culture and Connection
This offsite adventure reinforced the fact that while technology keeps us connected, real-world interactions are irreplaceable. Meeting face-to-face allowed us to appreciate the diverse personalities and talents within our team, fostering a deeper sense of connection.
We returned to our remote workstations with rejuvenated minds & renewed bonds!
Here’s to the next adventure and the continued journey of building bonds beyond the screen. Until we meet again! 🌴🎉
