A wave of nostalgia and warmth cut through the winter chill in Lucknow as the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIML) welcomed back 438 of its distinguished alumni on Saturday. The former students, graduating in various years, crossed the familiar gates into the red-brick campus, rekindling old memories and celebrating the enduring legacy of their alma mater.
A Global Network United by IIML's Legacy
At the inaugural event, Prof. M P Gupta, Director of IIM Lucknow, addressed the gathering. He emphasized that while the alumni graduated in different years, they remain united in carrying forward the IIML legacy across the globe. "Your presence from diverse countries reflects the strength of our global network," Prof. Gupta stated. He stressed that closer collaboration would help build a more engaged and supportive alumni ecosystem.
For many, the return was a deeply personal journey. Alumni from batches as early as 1994 and 1995 mingled with newer cohorts. Bhasker Subramanium from the 1994 batch recalled, "In 1994, we were just 100 students including five girls in the batch, and in 1995, there were only two girls." He highlighted that in those formative years, "Friendship was not optional but an essential survival system."
Back to the Classroom: Instincts Remain Intact
The 'Back To The Classroom' session, led by the popular Rajiv Kumar Srivastava, fondly known as Rocky Sir, transported alumni back in time. He randomly picked attendees to answer questions, perform impromptu tasks, and engage in playful exercises. Senior professionals found themselves glancing at peers for reassurance, straightening their posture, and reliving the unique pressure only a classroom can induce. "You may have changed your titles," Rocky Sir quipped, "but your student instincts are intact."
Alumni reflected on how IIM-L's rigorous pedagogy trained them to think on their feet, defend ideas under scrutiny, and accept critique constructively. "That fear you feel when your name is called, never goes away," shared one alumnus, underscoring the lasting impact of the institute's demanding environment.
Friendships and Values: The Lasting Takeaways
Conversations consistently circled back to the lifelong friendships forged on campus. Nitin Chandaliya, MD and Partner at Boston Consulting Group India, noted, "The greatest takeaway is the peer group you carry everywhere in the world." For many, these bonds became anchors through career shifts, international relocations, and moments of doubt.
The discussion also highlighted the core values instilled at IIML, which alumni argued matter more than the prestige of the tag. Ameet Nivsarkar, now with Tata Group and posted in Sydney, said, "Prestige fades if you don't back it with substance. IIM taught us discipline, humility, and adaptability." Prashant Tewari, co-owner of a private equity firm in New York, added, "The rigour at Lucknow prepared students to be comfortable in high-pressure, unfamiliar environments."
Lopa, spouse of an alumnus from the 2005 batch, spoke about settling in Singapore, crediting the IIML experience: "Once you've survived here, no institution feels overwhelming." Venkateswaran Mahadeva, Founder of Ignite AI in Bengaluru, praised the faculty for "not chasing trends, but rather contextualising them, keeping alumni relevant across decades."
Anurag Agrawal, Director (West) Response department of The Times of India, credited classroom debates for shaping his leadership style. "You learn to listen, disagree respectfully, and decide under pressure," he said.
The day culminated in a poignant 'Reconvocation' session where alumni donned convocation robes and posed for recreated batch photographs. As evening descended and the fog returned, the alumni lingered, reluctant to leave. They carried back with them more than just nostalgia—a renewed sense of connection and a shared commitment to the IIM Lucknow legacy.
