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It is that time of the year when excitement and enthusiasm are at their peak amongst everyone in the campus at IIM Calcutta. Yes, it is the time of Reminiscence – the legendary reunion celebrations for the batch that graduated 25 years ago from this prestigious institute. One of the most important traditions of the institute, Reminiscence provides the perfect platform for the visiting alumni batch to relive their best moments at IIM Calcutta. During the two days of Reminiscence, current students and faculty get an opportunity to interact with our accomplished alumni. Reminiscence 2013 did not just live up to the IIM Calcutta’s traditions but also initiated a new platform of interaction between alumni and current students.
Over 50 alumni visiting IIM Calcutta after 25 years:
In the 25 years since their graduation, the young budding managers of the 23rdbatch have traversed the difficult terrains of life to become leaders in their respective fields. Alumnus from leading banks, big corporate houses, consulting firms and non-profit organisations visited their Alma matter for the reunion. The visiting batch also has alumni who are currently professors at world renowned universities and officers in the government. From Indian corporate houses such as Tata Steel and ITC to leading MNCs such as Hewlett Packard and Samsung, we have leaders representing the entire gamut of global corporate leadership.
Rekindling the spirit of Joka:
The students of IIM Calcutta proudly call themselves the tribe of Joka. This is an age old tradition that permeates through all graduated batches of this institute and shall manifest itself in the several celebratory events planned for the 23rd batch. Events such as campus walks, cricket matches, bonfire and dinner cruises are planned to spread the camaraderie that evolved in the hallowed portals of this institute. During the cultural night, Dramatics Club performed a hilarious play, ‘Character Dheela Hai’, focusing on the plight of the play directors. It was soon followed by Choreography club’s performance, which set the stage on fire and reinstated the feeling of nostalgia as they portrayed the life at Joka in their dance moves. Even the alumni joined the current students and danced to the beats of Michael Jackson, even featuring a moonwalk on “Beat it”. After the stage performances, the night belonged to JBS BaroC, who mesmerized the audience with their classic tunes. The performance was headlined by the 23rd batch alumni - Paddy, Deven and Arvind, who were also the founding members of the club.
IGNITE – the forum for ideation:
Since its inception, IIM Calcutta has been the torch bearer of innovation and leadership in the corporate, public and social spheres. To relive the spirit of passion that IIM Calcutta has instilled in graduating students for several decades, IIM Calcutta held the first session of IGNITE, a unique talk session, wherein distinguished alumni of the institute shared their insights and ideas. IGNITE is not only the flagship event of Reminiscence, the annual alumni celebrations of IIM Calcutta, but also a unique platform for corporate leaders to engage with business school students on ideas that intrigue the best minds of the world today. It is a forum to initiate discussion between alumni and students on some of the most interesting ideas on topics ranging from business management to personal passions.
The motto of IGNITE is to provide a platform for fast-paced, exciting and thought-provoking sessions, that ignite our imagination on the wide realm of possibilities that can be explored with respect to corporate and public domains. This year, 9 alumni, members of the visiting 23rd batch of IIM Calcutta, were invited to participate in IGNITE. With the event moderated by none other than the brilliant Mr. Gopi Kalyan, chief evangelist at Google and renowned TED talk speaker, the stage was set for a rapid showdown of enthralling ideas. Mr. Hasnain Yusuf, an experienced investment banker set the ball rolling, by talking about the possibilities of growth for corporate houses in the African market. By displaying impressive growth facts, Mr Hasnain exhibited how we are yet to tap the virtually unexploited consumer market in Africa. Mr Hasnain’s talk was followed by an eye-opening session by Ms. Aparna Mittal, who talked about the immense potential of her start-up focused on providing quality information to patients, which enable them to make better decisions pertaining to key health matters. Continuing on the scope of innovation, Mr. Amar, an academician highlighted how innovation can be promoted in the financial services industry.
IGNITE provided an opportunity for students of IIM Calcutta to also enlighten their minds with respect to issues pertaining to two key people in every persons’ life – women and children. Mr. Chandradip Mitra, President of his batch during his time, spoke at great lengths of the need to understand what women desire and how to help achieve that, especially in the business and social contexts. Mr. Jaideep, a home-schooling expert, on the other hand, spoke about the need for home-schooling children and plugging the gaps in our education system.
Finally, IGNITE also enabled speakers such as Mr. Shovon Chowdhury and Mr. Arvind Shankaran to speak passionately about the alternate career paths taken by them, despite their business school background. While Mr. Shovon became an entertaining author, Mr. Arvind founded a band that raised over $35,000 for social causes through concerts.
Reminiscence is part of the age old traditions at IIM Calcutta, an institute whose students and alumni have been very proud of the culture that prevails there. IGNITE was the perfect occasion for business school students, brimming with ideas of the future, to believe in their passion and strive towards attaining it, just like their predecessors in the 23rd batch.
IIM Calcutta is not another business school; it is an experience that these leaders shall cherish all their lives. Reminiscence 2013 showcased the timeless traditions and spirit of the tribe of Joka.