Diamond Jubilee Global Alumni Meet Started at NIT Rourkela, Alumni reunited from all over the globe to celebrate the occasion
NIT Rourkela (established in 1961 as Rourkela Engineering College) is hosting a three-day Diamond Jubilee Global Alumni Meet from 28th December to 30th December 2022. The event is being organised by the Centre for Alumni, Industry and International Relations, NIT Rourkela.
The inaugural function on the first day of the event was graced by Shri C.P. Gurnani (MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra) as the Chief Guest and Shri S.M. Vaidya (Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Limited) as the Guest of Honour. Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela presided over the function. The event was also joined by Shri A. K. Basa {President, NIT Rourkela Alumni Association (NITRAA)}, Shri Jit Goel {President, NIT Rourkela Overseas Alumni Association (NITROAA)}, Prof. K. K. Khatua (Dean Alumni of NIT Rourkela) and Prof. S K Patel (the convenor for the Global Alumni Meet). The event set out on its unique journey to highlight developments with a video that showcased the evolution of NIT Rourkela over the years. Around 180 alumni from across multiple nations attended the event and discussed the betterment of the Institute in terms of alumni connect, student welfare and various funds for the NITR. Prof. HB Sahu was the host of the session.
Shri C.P. Gurnani (MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra) addressed the gathering and said, “This institute has not only made a student into a better person and has taught to take a responsibility. We should acknowledge that institutions are made by recognising the past and building the future. I wish this institute reaches new heights. On behalf of all the alumni present here I commit that we will participate in the growth of our alma mater and give our maximum support in the process of rejuvenating and boosting the institute’s growth.”
Shri S.M. Vaidya (Chairman IOCL) the guest of Honour said, “As a very proud Alumnus, I cherish having spent my golden years at this great institute. NIT Rourkela holds an extraordinary place in my heart for the quality of education and the values it has empowered me with and I owe a lot to my Alma mater. The Institute has instilled a strong technical foundation and people skills and these have played a very key role in my journey to the top of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Youngsters who are presently studying here, I urge you to embrace every opportunity to grow and aim at powering the national progress.”
Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director) talked in detail about the various developmental endeavours and implored the alumni by saying that “Growth of NIT Rourkela is surely visible but it’s time we take it to the next level and show the education sector that NIT Rourkela with its multi-disciplinary curriculum and sustainable projects is ready to be among the best. With the help of the alumni, we will accelerate our growth.” Prof. Rao also shared the vision for the institute’s growth in line with NEP 2020, improving NIRF ranking, escalating tech-startups and contributing to the goal of G20 India.
The inaugural event was then followed by a culture program showcasing the performance by Staff, their spouse and children, and students. The audience also witnesses a delightful Odissi dance performance by Sringara Mani Debasish Patnaik. Prof. Rohan Dhiman (Registrar) gave a vote of thanks to all the alumni and their family members for attending the event.
(The link to watch the inaugural session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIV1dxseV0s)
Day 2:
Today the event included a Leadership Conclave grouping notable alumni of the institute who spoke on various topics Metaverse, Carbon Reduction in the Steel Industry, International Business Strategy, Energy Transition, Importance of the Manufacturing Industry and Start-ups. Speakers (alumni) on Dais for Leadership Conclave:
- Mr Bishnu Pada Sethi, IAS Principal Secretary, Higher Education Dept, Govt. of Odisha
- Mr Atanu Bhowmick, Director-Incharge, SAIL-RSP
- Mr Arun Sharma, COO, Sterlite Power
- Mr D.B. Sundara Ramam, Chairperson, Tata Steel Mining Ltd
- Mr Ajay Das, Director (Business Development), Air Products
- Mr Anish De, Global Head(ENRC)KPMG International
- Ms Prativa Mohapatra, Vice President & MD, Adobe India
- Mr Sudhir Samal, CEO, UB International Trading Limited
- Mr Debendra Mohanta, CEO & President, Inaho Digital Solutions
- Mr Dilip Kumar Mohanty {Director (Production), NMDC Limited}
- Mr Raj Kishore Pati, Supply Chain Consultant
The day 2 event was then followed by ‘The Women Achievers’ Conclave in which women alumni of the institute shared their inspiring growth stories and spoke on the current scenario or status of women at work. It was followed by a question-answer session by the audience. Speakers for the ‘The Women Achievers’ programme are:
- Ms Aradhana Patnaik, Secretary, Commercial Taxes, Government of Jharkhand
- Ms Deepa Kapil Mahajan, Director, Tetra Information Services Pvt. Ltd
- Ms Meena Goel, Head of Business Development Polyhose India Pvt Ltd
- Ms Kamrakali Paramguru, Lead Analytic Advisor at Mount Sinai Health System, USA
- Ms Amruta Mishra, Principal Engineer, Data Centre and AI Group, Intel Corporation
- Ms Sweety Kanodia Bora, Partner, dealership at M/s Indian Oil Cooperation Ltd
- Ms Prativa Mohapatra, Vice President & MD, Adobe India
(Both of the events can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz5ZYVVUnnY
The second day of the Diamond Jubilee Global Alumni Meet concluded with a musical program by musicians, singers, and instrumentalists.
Day 3 of the event will include a Young Achievers’ Conclave in which Young alumni of the institute will be awarded for their contribution in their respective fields. Their names are Prasanti Jena, Preetisudha Meher, Kishan Agarwal, Raunaq Pradhan, Suresh R Dash, and Baikunthanath Sahu. The event will conclude on 30th December, 2022 with a Panel Discussion for Institute Development, Felicitation of the Retired Faculties, Tree plantation and various sets of other activities fun & sports, and campus tour.