A Warm Welcome and Cultural Celebrations
From January 24th to 26th, the campus buzzed with excitement as alumni of the 1970 batch arrived for their two-day visit during IIT KGP’s Spring Fest. The Office of Alumni Affairs and the student body orchestrated a heartwarming welcome, showering the alumni with honor and affection. Their first evening was dedicated to cultural performances that showcased the rich traditions of IITKGP. The alumni were particularly moved by the soulful recitations at the “Kavi Sammelan” and the mesmerizing melodies of the “Classical Night.”
But the night wasn’t over. Under the starlit sky, the group indulged in an impromptu session of “Star Gazing” at the lawns of the Technology Guest House, part of the event “Planet Parade.” It was a fleeting yet magical moment, organized by the Kalpana Chawla Space Technology Cell, that instantly connected the alumni to the beauty of their past while gazing into the endless possibilities of the future.
Revisiting Old Haunts: Departments, Halls, and Memories
For the batch of 1970, there was nothing more meaningful than revisiting the very departments and halls where they spent their youth. Stepping back into their old rooms in the halls of residence, they were flooded with memories of their college days—the laughter, the struggles, the camaraderie, and the friendships that had stood the test of time. As they toured their departments, the nostalgia was palpable, and the alumni couldn’t help but share stories with the current students. These stories, sprinkled with wisdom, guidance, and encouragement, formed a bridge between the past and the present.
Inspiring the Next Generation: A Session with Entrepreneurs
A hallmark of the visit was the interactive session held by the Innovation and Incubation Cell, where IIT KGP’s current students presented their innovative and entrepreneurial ideas. The batch of 1970, with their own remarkable success stories, shared invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and navigating the ever-changing world of technology. The alumni emphasized the importance of creative thinking, resilience, and passion, leaving the students inspired and motivated to carve their own paths.
A Legacy of Giving Back: Donations and Contributions
The bond between the alumni and their alma mater has always been strong, and this visit was no different. The batch of 1970 made a lasting contribution to the IITKGP library by donating books authored by some of its illustrious alumni, enriching the knowledge base of future generations. During a special meeting with the Deputy Director, Prof. Rintu Banerjee, and other esteemed faculty members, the alumni were presented with souvenirs that captured both the old and new glory of IITKGP’s iconic main building—a tangible reminder of how far the institution had come.
But their contributions didn’t stop there. As part of their enduring commitment to sustainability, the alumni presented IITKGP with an afforestation proposal under the “Miyawaki Forest” project, aimed at creating a greener campus. On January 25th, the foundation stone for this project was laid, symbolizing the alumni’s unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship.
Honoring Their Heroes: A Special Screening
Later that evening, a poignant screening of a movie based on the life of Arjun Sen, another distinguished IIT KGP alumnus, took place at the Netaji Auditorium. Arjun Sen’s inspiring battle against cancer and his triumph over adversity moved the entire gathering, reminding them of the resilience and strength embedded within the IITKGP spirit.
A Legacy of Enduring Contributions
The 1970 batch’s ties to IITKGP have been nothing short of extraordinary. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of the institution. In 2015, they funded the creation of a large lecture room at the Nalanda Complex, an educational hub for future leaders. In 2019, they transformed the student experience by creating “The ADDA,” a vibrant gathering place where students could come together, connect, and share ideas. The Clocktower, a landmark of IITKGP, was also renovated in 2020, thanks to their collaboration with other alumni.
Their influence didn’t end with physical spaces. In 2020, they spearheaded the renovation of Nehru Hall under the “Nehru ka Tempo” initiative, modernizing one of the oldest halls on campus. They also established the Prof. G.S. Sinyal School of Telecommunications and the M.N. Faruqui Centre of Innovation, nurturing future technologists. The Ranbir and Chitra Gupta School of Infrastructure, endowed by Mr. Ron Gupta, and the Uday Agnihotri and Vijay George Varki Chairs professorships have further elevated IITKGP’s standing as a leader in education.
In the realm of bioenergy, Mr. Prabhakant Sinha’s contribution led to the establishment of the Bioenergy Centre of Excellence, a testament to the alumni’s vision for a sustainable future.
A Trip to Remember
As the visit came to a close, the batch of 1970 felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. They had not only relived their cherished memories but also contributed meaningfully to the ongoing growth of IITKGP. Their time at IITKGP was a reminder of the lasting bond between alumni and their alma mater, and their desire to remain connected and continue supporting the institution’s ascent to global greatness.
The 55th reunion of the batch of 1970 was more than just a visit; it was a celebration of legacy, a renewal of ties, and a reaffirmation of their commitment to making IITKGP one of the top educational institutions in the world. As they bid farewell, they carried with them new memories, strengthened relationships, and an even greater sense of pride in being part of the IITKGP family.
Their journey may have spanned over five decades, but for the batch of 1970, their connection with IITKGP was timeless.
The entire event was coordinated by the Office of the Alumni Affairs in coordination with the Students Body for Spring Fest 2025. Special thanks to Alumnus Vinod Jain and his office for all the cooperation.
Inputs from: Office of Alumni & Student Body, Spring Fest 2025
Email: alumni@hijli.iitkgp.ac.in
Edited By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007
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