The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) recently concluded its monumental alumni reunion, Punaragaman 2025, a week-long celebration that transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of nostalgia and networking. The event, held from January 27 to February 2, 2025, successfully drew over 10,000 alumni from across India and the globe, marking one of the largest such gatherings in the institution's prestigious history.
A Week of Nostalgia, Networking, and New Beginnings
Punaragaman 2025 was meticulously designed to offer a multifaceted experience for its distinguished graduates. The week was packed with a diverse array of over 50 events, catering to professional, personal, and sentimental interests. Highlights included insightful industry conclaves, engaging leadership talks, and interactive workshops that provided a platform for knowledge exchange between different generations of MIT engineers and leaders.
The reunion served a powerful dual purpose. Primarily, it was a heartfelt homecoming, allowing alumni to reconnect with old friends, revisit familiar campus landmarks, and relive their college days. Simultaneously, it functioned as a dynamic professional nexus. The event facilitated crucial mentorship opportunities, where seasoned professionals offered guidance to recent graduates and current students. Furthermore, it sparked numerous discussions around potential collaborations, internships, and career advancements, strengthening the institute's industry linkages.
Star-Studded Evenings and Emotional Highlights
The festivities reached a crescendo with two major events that left a lasting impression. The 'Night of Nostalgia' was an emotional and entertaining evening featuring memorable performances. Adding glamour and musical brilliance to the night was a special performance by Bollywood playback singer Jonita Gandhi, an MIT alumna herself, whose presence underscored the diverse talents nurtured at Manipal.
Another cornerstone event was the 'Legacy Lunch,' a grand banquet that honored the foundational batches and long-standing faculty members. This gathering paid tribute to the individuals who built MIT's renowned reputation, emphasizing the deep-rooted legacy that continues to inspire current and future students. The entire reunion was orchestrated under the leadership of Dr. (Col) B. Shivananda, Director of MIT Manipal, and the dedicated core committee, ensuring flawless execution.
Building a Sustainable Alumni Ecosystem for the Future
Beyond the celebrations, Punaragaman 2025 had a strategic vision: to cement a robust and self-sustaining alumni network. The overwhelming participation demonstrated the powerful bond and sense of community among MIT graduates. This active network is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the institute's future, from curriculum development informed by industry trends to creating unparalleled placement and research opportunities for students.
The resounding success of the reunion sets a new benchmark for alumni engagement in Indian higher education. It not only celebrated MIT Manipal's rich history and countless success stories but also laid a strong foundation for collaborative growth. The event proved that the institute's greatest strength lies in its people—its graduates who are now leaders, innovators, and change-makers across the world, ever ready to give back to their alma mater.
