Not many lectures pass without alumni being mentioned. Not many lecturers forget faces from the past. To us, the current students of ASB, our alumni had always been an enigma. There were few regular visitors as well as those who would, when the pangs of nostalgia was felt visit their alma mater. It was thus with great expectation and joy that we came up on the idea of conducting an alumni meet at the Amrita School of Business campus at Ettimadai.
Our first stop was Prof. Kulkarni, the face of alumni at ASB. What he handed over to us was a treasure trove of information on our alumni. With the convocation scheduled on 11th September 2005, the obvious choice was 10th September 05. With hardly 15 days left to prepare, time was of essence. Kulkarni sir started the proceedings by sending the initial communication to our alumni. This was followed up by phone calls and emails. The response was positive. Every alumnus expressed his/her desire to be present but some were held up due to professional commitments. The encouragement we received from them was tremendous.
As the day drew nearer, ASB was a beehive of activity, and the enthusiasm was infectious. The stage was set, and the dawn of 10th September saw us all expecting the arrival of our beloved alumni. Arrive they did.
The sun shone shyly behind the misty mountains. The warmth was seeping into the hearts below. Planet Ettimadai was waking to an atmosphere laden with the warmth of expectation. They came from far and wide. The alumni meet was just an occasion. The longing and passion drove them to be here. As they came to tread the paths traversed in their distant memories, ASB woke to the realization of nostalgia. Nature gave vent to her feelings in a manner she chose appropriate. The sunny sky gave way to fluffy balls of mist that descended like a curtain over the emerald mountains. A buzzing drizzle brought back silent ruminations, of friends, love, events, people, all subjects from an unfathomable inventory called mind.
Pictures etched in black and white were suddenly coming alive. Memories were reviving before my very eyes like a Technicolor dream. The alumni were everywhere. One thing was common – the unmatchable smile on their face. They shared their lives, their dreams and their aspirations.
We had to harness their experience and expertise while we could. We had to give them their moments to cherish. The air around had the aroma of sweet recollection. Hugs, smiles and walks down the memory lane, ASB stood witness to them all. Alumni spoke their heart. “Dynamic Sessions by Young Corporate” was the alumni interaction with students. Queries were posed, solutions suggested. The sessions were informative and
We gifted them an evening to cherish, and showcased our talents. We served them a dinner of love and great carvings of care for dessert. Then, before we realized, it was time to bid adieu. Raindrops splashed on the murky ground below, as nature wept silent tears. “We will be back”- they whispered. |
