Yaad aayenge ye pal...

15th August 2011...

64 years after the Indian Independance!! The day was special not only because it marked the 65th year of India's virtual freedom, but also because of the Silver Jubilee Alumni Meet of Sir MVIT. I was involved as a part of the event management committee.

Managing events has always been one of my passions since school. It is an exposure of working with different people,different minds,learning from them and sharing a bond with them with the common ultimate goal being the grand success of the event.

I must admit I had a few sleepless nights before the 15th of August 2011. I was looking forward to meeting seniors this day(the ones I have known,the ones I have heard tons about and waiting to meet and a few that I have never known and were probably 25years older to me).The nights were filled with apprehensions anticipating the degree of success of the event, the review from the seniors and what not.

The alumni meet eve saw loads of checklists being made,duties being assigned to volunteers,a few volunteers backing out,a few glitches...But there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel. The positives were our prayers for a good event and our pre-planning skills.

The day finally arrived.. I was fortunate enough to witness my first flag-hoisting ceremony of Sir MVIT. The flag was hoisted by the Secretary of Sri Krishnadevaraya Educational Trust,Sri K V Sekhar Raju accompanied by the Director and Principal of Sir MVIT.I sang the national anthem and the national song after a few years. A few speeches were delivered as usual. We had arranged wrist bands and flag brooches for all the organisers and volunteers and we proudly flaunted it that day.

The event also witnessed its live screening through which people all over the world could witness the Silver Jubilee Alumni Meet live. Thanks to Vishal and Vishwanath for their effort.

The event kicked off with inaugration being delayed by half an hour which proceeded with the General Body Meeting after which it was the time for the alumni to enjoy with some games. We had "Bombing the City" and "Passing the Parcel" as the games. Ironically, we saw more enthusiasm from the alumni's tiny tots who were waiting to grab the prizes by displaying excellent sportsmanship. 3 out of 6 prizes were claimed by the kids. The games were followed by a festive lunch. One of the best lunch party thrown by MVIT. Right from the sweet to the desserts, it was a well-thought lunch menu.

The lunch was followed by the visit to department for the alumni.The alumni hour started at 3p.m which witnessed the alumni showcasing their skills on center stage a few years after they left college. The program started by a soothing classical music performance by Shruthi followed by an audience-attracting performance by Mr Ashutosh Dikshit. The dean describes him as "Name a talent and he has it". And I admit, he certainly does. The hour also saw alumni singing,sharing their experience and recalling the times they spent in college.Ranjani entertained us with her talk and songs. When we see one of the founders of Susamskruthi addressing us and singing songs, it certainly feels good.

The best moment of the day came when we had live performance by Mr Abhishek Kumar,Indian Idol. He is probably the most entertaining singer I have wathced live.It was a pleasure to recieve him from the entrance,watching him perform some of the finest music and watching him make the teachers,principal,dean and even the secretary dance to his tunes. His down-to-earth nature and love for the college left me awestruck. Being on stage while he was singing "Yaad aayenge yeh pal" was certainly a nostalgic moment.The day ended with loads of happiness and loads of photographs being clicked.

This experience was one of my special moments at college.
Working with the event organising team was a pleasure.The interactions with people of the college right from the top level till the foreman level was a delight. I will always cherish this synergy with the 15-member team. The reviews of the event by the alumni after a great time was even more motivating. It's always nice to see yourself and your team being appreciated.The day ended on a high!!

The week that followed involved attending a few classes, bunking some,registering for placement of a few companies among other activities both good and bad.

Susamskriti in assosiation with SpicMacay also organised a classical music concert by Vidwan T V Shankarnarayan this Friday.The music of the Padmabhushan awardee was extremely soothing and more importantly it was heart-warming to see the 65 year old connoisseur bubbling with enthusiam enjoying his music.

I had to sacrifice attending my Department fest,4th Dimension, conducted by Ganak for my GRE preparation.It would probably be the first fest I missed in college since I joined Sir MVIT. It also felt good after I heard that the fest saw particaipants in huge numbers. The positives from this sacrifice meant learning a few extra words for the GRE and a successful group study for the all important exam. Loads of bunking classes in store because of the GRE!!!