Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense, but the past perfect! ~Owens Lee Pomeroy
This proved very apt when we met our Alumni on 28 November, 2009. On the day reserved for the magic of reunions. This function was a reunion between the alumni and their former classmates. It’s about a reunion between them and their alma mater, the institute that helped shape their future. It provided an opportunity to revoke nostalgia.
We come from very different backgrounds and currently serve our respective societies and companies in a diversity of responsibilities and roles. However, in our history, a common thread binds us.
All of us have fond memories of our times at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management. I would even say, none of us can actually remember the many lectures, tutorials and the examinations. The memories are made of housemates, classmates, meals we prepared, and drinks we shared.
That was the time we shared more than friendship, we shared our dreams of a future that we are now living.
To say that we had an overwhelming response would be an understatement. With the number of registrations exceeding 40 and spanning various batches of students, the event was a grand success by the sheer number of distinguished alumni who have attended it.
At the reception, every alumnus was greeted with a tilak to commemorate and initiate the auspicious occasion.
The formal function began at 9 pm .The Welcome address was delivered by Dr K C Mishra, Director LBSIM. He quoted JRD Tata’s famous words,” Delicious food decorated and served on a platter is not sufficient. It is necessary that the food be digested to have an impact.” He likened the delectable food to the illustrious alumni of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management.
Dr G L Sharma, Advisor-Corporate Interface, expressed happiness and satisfaction at the exponential career growth of the alumni, whilst setting the bar even higher for the future.
Shri Anil Shastri, Chairman, Board Of Governors, LBSIM expressed hope that the alumni would not only hold coveted designations in famous companies, but also put their learning and expertise to use in the realm of Entrepreneurship.
The new Managing Committee of the Alumni Foundation was announced by Dr. K C Mishra with Mr. Vineet Bajpai, CEO-Magnon Solutions, as President. The Alumni Newsletter “Reflections” 2009 was released, followed by the launch of the new LBSIM website with an exclusive section for the alumni.
The group discussion was followed by the unveiling of Reflections 2009 website by the
IT Representative and a brief introduction was provided to the alumni about this year’s logo, theme, sub-themes and prospective audience. Launching of the official alumni association website which would be restricted to members was touched upon. The site would act as a platform to display alumni information (with self-registration tab), job opportunities and share live experiences through a blog.
The inspirational speeches were on the theme ‘Strengthening the alumni network.’ All the
Alumni and members of the new managing committee of the foundation discussed on how
Knowledge and experience could be shared on a common platform by the various
Batches and disseminated to the LBSIM Alumni Community. This form of experience sharing could be a source of personal and professional growth for all the students and also provide a social network for like-minded people having common interests. The alumni stressed on these points:
1. Formation of regional alumni chapters and strengthening them by having quarterly meetings to discuss pertinent issues.
2. Strengthening of the current alumni database with compulsory updation of information by alumni of all batches that have passed from the institute.
3. Apart from immediate professional advantages, a recognition of the long term gains of having a strong alumni network which include collaboration and associations for research.
Various speakers stressed on the significance of the LBSIM brand. They also hinted the current batch students to maximally leverage the opportunities provided by the institute during their short stay.
The formal proceedings concluded with the Vote of Thanks given by Prof. Rashmi Sharma, Convener, Alumni Foundation, LBSIM.
After the formal proceedings, the stage was taken over by our very own music club ‘MANTRA’ and they had prepared a very lively medley of songs which had everyone tapping their feet.
The gathering lost track of time and dinner was finally announced at 10:30 pm. An array of Indian delicacies awaited the alumni as they were escorted to the buffet tables at the Banquet hall. While threads of memory joined together some groups, there were others who tried to build new relations with colleagues in the industry.
The place was abuzz with activity and the LBSIM representatives appeared like one large family.
‘All good things come to an end.’ Reluctantly, the festivities were ended at about 12:00 am and it was time for us to say goodbye. The illuminated faces of the students and alumni spoke volumes about the ‘feel good’ factor that the event had created. Kudos to the Alumni Coordination Committee for all the hard work that went behind the success of this event. A similar appreciation goes to all the students who worked in different ways to make the alumni meet – ‘PALCHHIN 2009 ‘a memorable experience for all of us.
