11TH GLOBAL ALUMNI DAY - A REPORT

REPORT ON 11TH ALUMNI DAY

The 11th Alumni Day event, held on December 29th, 2024, at the IIEST Shibpur campus, was a resounding success, drawing over 500 alumni from various batches, ranging from the 1957 batch to 2024. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the participation of Smt. Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, Chairperson of the Board of Governors IIEST-S, who expressed her desire to meet the alumni community in person. Additionally, the newly appointed Director of IIEST, Prof. VMSR Murthy, actively participated in planning and the event itself.

You can view the photos of the programme by clicking the link given below:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xNRNMA7cMPK_K65JC4l0BR6QZbWO27RO?usp=drive_link

The day began with registration at 9:00 am, followed by networking sessions with tea, coffee, and snacks. At 10:30 am, the formal program commenced, hosted by Partha Majumder (1982 CE). The distinguished guests included Smt. Tejaswini Ananth Kumar (Chairperson, BoG IIEST-S), Sri. VMSR Murthy (Director, IIEST Shibpur) as well as Deans of IIEST, including Prof. Debasis Dutta (Dean-IRAA), Prof. Pratik Datta (Dean-Research & Consultancy), Prof. Aparna De Ghosh (Dean-Planning & Development), and senior alumni such as Prof. Sudhansu Sekhar Chakraborty (1957 CE) and Prof. Tathagata Roy (1966 CE). The program also honored the presence of Prof. Ajay Kumar Ray, the first Director of IIEST and a 1974 batch alumnus, despite his ill health.

The formal session began with a moment of silence in remembrance of alumni who had passed away during the year. Amitabha Datta (1974 CE), President GAABESU, in his welcome address, spoke about the evolution of the Alumni Day from its origins as an Annual Re-union to its current status as a flagship event of GAABESU. He highlighted the transformation of the Institute into a Central Institute, from B E College to BEC (DU) to BESU to IIEST and urged alumni to adapt their mind set accordingly to support the evolving needs of the Institute. He called on alumni to actively engage with GAABESU as well the Institute and bring more alumni into the fold for future activities of the Alumni association leading to supporting Institute’s developmental programmes.

The 11th Alumni Day’s Business Session followed the inaugural session and focused on critical discussions aimed at restoring the legacy of excellence of IIEST Shibpur. During this session, Prof. Debasis Datta, Dean of IRAA, started by thanking GAABESU and the alumni for their continued support in various activities and projects. He highlighted a significant initiative spearheaded by the Class of 1999, who generously donated an Audio-Visual Studio Room for the recording of study materials. This project, intended to support online courses, was officially handed over to the Institute the day before the Alumni Day event (28th December 2024).

Prof. Aparna De Ghosh, Dean of Planning & Development, expressed her gratitude to the alumni and conveyed optimism about the Institute's future. She emphasized that under the leadership of the new BoG Chairperson and Director, IIEST would work towards regaining its former reverence. She also talked about the upcoming projects, like the new 1000-seater boys hostel which is nearly at the end of constructions and expected to be ready shortly, a new Auditorium, a new Girls Hostel as well as maintenance of existing hostel buildings, roof treatment, washroom upkeep, campus beautification including maintenance of water bodies, creating walkways around, etc.

Prof. Pratik Dutta, Dean of Research & Consultancy, shared exciting developments in the research domain, mentioning a variety of new research proposals coming from various fields, such as power electronics, robotics, machine learning, smart cities, green energy, and more. Drawing from his experience as a past Secretary of GAABESU, he encouraged alumni to collaborate with the Institute and proactively participate in joint ventures. He also advised reaching out to various batch groups in advance to combine their programs with GAABESU’s initiatives.

With the conclusion of these addresses, the Business Session transitioned into a Panel Discussion focused on the theme of restoring the legacy of excellence at IIEST. The panel featured speakers from both senior and younger alumni, including Prof. Apalak Khatua (2000 Arch) of XLRI and Sachindra Rai (2022 CE), representing newer alumni batches.

Prof. VMSR Murthy, the Director of IIEST, kicked off the Panel Discussion by providing an overview of the current situation at the Institute. He expressed his enthusiasm for the revitalization efforts led by Smt. Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, the new Chairperson of the Board of Governors, and outlined the Institute's long history of over 168 years, having been founded in 1856 as the second-oldest engineering institution in India. He acknowledged the Institute’s current challenges, including its unsatisfactory NIRF rankings, but pledged to improve the ranking to within the top 10 in the next five years. He emphasized the importance of alumni support in achieving this goal.

In his address, Prof. Murthy also discussed potential funding sources for the Institute’s new infrastructure projects, including CSR funding, alumni donations, and possible loans through HEFA (Higher Education Funding Agency). He mentioned a notable commitment from Coal India’s CMD to fund a new 1000-seater girls’ hostel. Additionally, he called on alumni to help improve the perception of the Institute externally and highlighted the efforts of the faculty and dedicated team working tirelessly for the overall improvement of the institution.

The session provided an opportunity for alumni to reflect on the Institute’s past, assess its present state, and discuss ways to collaboratively contribute to its future growth and success. The contributions and insights from alumni of all ages were integral in shaping the vision for IIEST’s continued transformation and excellence.

The Panel Discussion continued with a series of insightful speeches from distinguished alumni, each bringing their unique perspectives on the future of IIEST Shibpur and the steps needed to restore its legacy of excellence.

Prof. Sudhansu Sekhar Chakraborty (1957 CE), one of the senior-most alumni who had travelled from Delhi to attend the event, began by reminiscing about his time at B E College, where he joined in 1953. He mentioned some of his classmates, including Amitabha Ghosal and Arun Deb, and reflected on his brief teaching experiences both at B E College and IIT Delhi during its formative years. Prof. Chakraborty highlighted the importance of proper, long-term engineering training rather than just brief summer internships. He emphasized that such training is crucial to bridge the career gap, as even graduates from top institutes like IITs are sometimes underemployed or unemployed. He also discussed the improvement of NIRF rankings, new research initiatives, and the positive impact of the current BoG Chairperson and Director. He concluded by urging alumni to actively support the Institute's efforts to improve its standing.

Prof. Tathagata Roy (1966 CE) then took the podium, raising a critical question about the status of IIEST. He argued that the Institute’s designation as an IIEST lacks clarity, as there is no other institution with the same title, and suggested that the Institute should be renamed as an IIT to better align with other top-tier institutions. This change, he argued, would help IIEST compete in the same league as other leading IITs. Prof. Roy also reminisced about his time at BE College between 1961 and 1966 and discussed his 20-year tenure at Jadavpur University, where he played a pivotal role in founding the discipline of “Construction Engineering.”

Prof. Ajay Kumar Ray (1974 ETC), the first Director of IIEST, followed with his address. Prof. Ray expressed his confidence in the leadership of the current BoG Chairperson and Director and his belief that under their guidance, the Institute would improve significantly. He called on alumni to support the administration in any way possible to help achieve this vision.

Prof. Apalak Khatua (2000 Arch) from XLRI-Jamshedpur then discussed the topic of restoring the historic excellence of the Institute. He introduced the theory of "Active Inertia," explaining that many of the current challenges arise from trying to solve modern problems with outdated approaches. He advocated for the inclusion of new courses and systems in the curriculum, particularly in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are essential for preparing students for the future. He also touched on the importance of faculty recruitment, research efforts, quality publications, and improvements in teaching methods.

The final speaker from the alumni side was Mr. Sachindra Rai (2022 CE), representing the current student body. Mr. Rai acknowledged the glorious legacy of the Institute but emphasized the challenge of sustaining it in the face of rapid technological change. From a student’s perspective, he stressed the need for more exposure to industry practices and international academic systems to keep up with evolving global technologies. He also praised the recently launched 6-month industrial training program, which would significantly aid students in their career development. Mr. Rai concluded by thanking GAABESU for helping students connect with global alumni networks for future career planning.

The diverse perspectives shared by the alumni and students highlighted the importance of both tradition and innovation in IIEST’s path forward. The session concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—alumni, faculty, and students—to unite and contribute to the Institute’s growth and improvement.

The final and most anticipated speech during the Panel Discussion was delivered by Dr. Tejaswini Ananthkumar, Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG), IIEST-S. Dr. Ananthkumar began by acknowledging the rich legacy of the 168-year-old Institute, and praising the alumni presents, from 1957 batch (which marked the Institute's centenary) down to the 2024 batch. She also admired the alumni for their contributions, which have greatly impacted the nation, the world, and humanity. Reflecting on the history of the Institute, she highlighted its foundation in 1856, one year before the Great Sepoy Mutiny and the creation of Calcutta University, at a time when fountain pens were not invented and regular electricity distribution system was not established. Today, we are in an era of AI, machine learning, and IoT, symbolizing the vast journey of growth and transformation.

Dr. Ananthkumar emphasized the need for a "big jump" in the Institute's progress, akin to the "Samudra Langhan" (crossing the ocean) by Lord Hanuman. She spoke of a "Wish List" for the Institute, setting the ambitious goal not just to match the IITs but to surpass them. She revealed that a Master Plan for Infrastructure was under preparation, but equally important was the need for a Master Plan for academic excellence. As part of the Institute’s future plans, she highlighted the implementation of NEP 2020 starting in 2025, which would include AI basics as part of the curriculum for all students. She also shared her vision of making the campus "Zero Waste," with "Zero Net Carbon Emission" and no use of fossil fuels.

Dr. Ananthkumar also reflected on the rich intellectual heritage of Bengal, drawing inspiration from figures like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Swami Vivekananda, and Jagadish Chandra Bose. She called on everyone to follow their teachings and aspirations. Concluding her speech, she mentioned the famous "Clock Tower" at the campus, a symbol of B E College and IIEST, symbolizing the ticking of time and the momentum for future progress. She thanked GAABESU and the alumni for their continued support and encouraged everyone to "dream big, dream together."

The next announcement was made by Prof. Anirban Gupta (Registrar), who, in his capacity as an alumnus and faculty member, shared an exciting development. Prof. Arun Deb (1957 CE) generously pledged USD 1 million to IIEST for setting up a “School of Water & Environmental Studies” at IIEST. Prof. Gupta mentioned that this initiative had first been proposed by Prof. Ajay Kumar Ray, the first Director of IIEST, in 2014. Although a similar project was later committed by Mr. Prabir Niyogi (1962 CE), it had not been realized at that time. With Prof. Deb's pledge, the project is now set to move forward, with Mr. Niyogi also contributing. The announcement was met with a standing ovation, recognizing the remarkable generosity of the donors.

Following this, Manoj Kar (1980 ETC), the editor of the Alumni magazine, introduced the “Alumni Link 2024” magazine, which was released by the Director of IIEST to commemorate the event. The student volunteers distributed copies of the magazine to the dignitaries on stage.

The next notable announcement was by Sushanta Sinha (1988 ETC), who unveiled the newly redesigned GAABESU website. The new website, funded by the GAABESU-USA Fund, was officially launched by Dr. Tejaswini Ananthkumar. The updated website will enhance connectivity and communication with the alumni community.

The inaugural session concluded with a brief Open House at 1:00 pm, where several senior alumni were invited to share their thoughts. Achyut Ghosh (1961 ME) spoke about the contributions of prominent alumni like Sunandan Basu, Arunkanti Banerjee, and Prof. Amitabha Ghosh (1962 CE). Alok Banerjee (1966 EE) suggested that the name "B E College" should be reinstated, as it was the name by which the institution was globally recognized.

The session ended with a vote of thanks by Vinod Kumar Singh (1999 ME), the Joint-Convener and Joint Secretary of GAABESU. He thanked the dignitaries, alumni, student volunteers, contractors, advertisers, and all GAABESU members for making the 11th Alumni Day a resounding success.

The list of main sponsors of this year’s Alumni Day programme is given below:

• 1.         Coal India Limited (CIL)                                          Title Sponsor
• 2.         GPT Group                                                                 Gold Sponsor
• 3.         International Combustion (India) Ltd.,                      Gold Sponsor
• 4.         CESC Limited                                                            Silver Sponsor
• 5.         Able Air O Technology                                              Silver Sponsor
• 6.         Rainbow Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd                                 Sponsorship for welcome kit
• 7.         Doha Alumni Chapter                                                Sponsorship for cultural programme

• Besides, we received banners & advertisements from  NHPC Limited, State Bank of India, Security And Intelligence Services India Ltd.;  ORG (India) Pvt. Ltd.;  Railtel Corporation of India Limited; A.P Power Concrete;  S.S.Civil Construction Pvt. Ltd.; Entiovi Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Mageba Bridge Products Pvt Ltd. , Jayanta Majumder , Datre Corporation Limited,  1965 Mechanical Engineering Batch, Sujan Kumar Mistry,  Das Caterers,  ; Jayanta Das; Metco;  Macron Technology Pvt. Ltd., Das Caterers, Transtonnelstroy- Afcons JV , Horizon.

As many as 27 agencies supported this grand event through sponsorship & advertisements. Total more than 40 donors donated for this programme. Their names are listed in the Alumni Link, special publication.

Welcome kits were distributed to all alumni (a bag containing Alumni Link, memento & car sticker). Car stickers showcasing IIEST Shibpur/ BE College alumni were introduced this time. Many merchandise items like BEC, IIEST, GAABESU T Shirts, car stickers, replica of Clock Tower were available for sale with nominal price at GAABESU counter. T Shirts were a hit amongst the alumni. Also, more than 15 new membership applications were received.

After this, IIEST Students took stage and presented song & dance program to show their talents to entertain the audience.

A Gala Lunch with ethnic Bengali dishes, topped up with some of the Kolkata’s most famous sweets, was relished by the attendees.

GAABESU encouraged the alumni who have authored various literary works and put a stall for all alumni  with the books for display and sale. ( ALUMNI BOOK CORNER)

GAABESU also encouraged students of different departments and several student societies of  IIEST to put up stalls to showcase their talents and recent achievements.

Before and after lunch, many alumni enjoyed a tour of the Campus with their family members, riding the Totos kept at their service. Like every year, 45-50 IIEST students worked enthusiastically as volunteers, to make this event successful.

The cultural program followed in the afternoon, hosted by Sri Santanu Bhattacharya (1983 MIN). The program featured the Dohar Folk Band, which enchanted the audience with their music rooted in the traditions of Bengal and Northeast India. The cultural convener, Indranil Sen (BArch 1980), spoke about the musical legacy of the Institute, honoring alumni musicians like Arunendu Das, Ranjan Prasad, and Pradip Chakraborty. The addition of an HD LED wall, which broadcast the performance live, was a hit with attendees who chose to enjoy the music outside in the sun.

The evening wrapped up with traditional snacks like phuchka, tea, coffee, and pakoras, as alumni continued their conversations and bid farewell to their beloved alma mater. Despite the sadness of departure, everyone left with a promise to return for the 12th Alumni Day on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

The Alumni Day Organizing Committee, on behalf of GAABESU, thanked the entire alumni community for their support, making the 11th Alumni Day a memorable and successful event.

"Aschhe Bachhor Abaar Hobe!" (We’ll meet again next year!)