Rourkela: NIT Rourkela Global Alumni Meet 2024, organized by the Centre for Alumni, Industry and International Relation, NIT Rourkela; and NITRAA Bengaluru Chapter at the Eagleton Resort, Bengaluru concluded on December 22, 2024 with tremendous enthusiasm and participation. The three-day event, held from December 20 to 22, witnessed the presence of more than 250 alumni from across the globe, including countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Dubai, and Singapore, as well as various parts of India.
The event celebrated the theme “Inspire, Innovate and Integrate,” and brought together a dynamic mix of accomplished alumni, industry leaders, and innovators. Among the distinguished attendees were Padmashri Nalini Ranajan Mohanty (former Chairman and Managing Director of HAL); Samir Kumar (Country Head of Amazon India); Subrat Pani (CEO of OneAssist Customer Solutions); D. B. Sundara Ramam {VicePresident (Raw Materials), Tata Steel}; Guru Prasad Biswal, CEO-Aerospace(Defence and Civil), Dr Sarat Kumar Dash (Head, Component Quality Assurance and Control Division), U R Rao (Satellite Centre, ISRO, who was involved in the successful Chandrayaan 3 mission); C. P. Gurnani (former CEO of Tech Mahindra); and Venkata N. Peri (CEO, Cognitive Care). Their contributions added immense value, making the event both intellectually enriching and inspiring.
One of the standout segments of the meet was the Startup Showcase Gallery, where 17 innovative ideas from alumni startups were presented. This platform not only showcased entrepreneurial talent but also provided participants with opportunities to connect with potential investors, industry veterans, and fellow innovators.
The event featured a series of inspiring addresses and sessions. Chief Guest Mr. Debashis Chatterjee, CEO and MD, LTIMindtree delivered a thought-provoking talk on “How to Make Smart Leaders,” offering insights into navigating the S-curve of professional growth. Keynote Speaker Mr. T. N. Hari, Executive Chairman, STEER World; mesmerized the audience with his session on “How to Build and Scale a Company,” sharing practical strategies and anecdotes on overcoming challenges and making strategic decisions. Padmashri N. R. Mohanty infused a sense of pride and responsibility among alumni, urging them to contribute towards elevating NIT Rourkela to global prominence. Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela shared the institute’s remarkable achievements and his vision for the future, inspiring confidence and optimism among attendees. Prof. H. B. Sahu, Dean (Alumni, Industry and International Relations) and Organizing Chair of the Global Meet presented the developmental activities in the Institutes and rile being played by the alumni and highlighted the areas in which alumni can support to improve its status and ranking.
In another segment titled young achievers, some of the young alumni Swadhin Nayak (Founder, TFarms), Animesh Pradhan who was ranked 2nd in the country in UPSC Civil Services Examinations 2023, Pranav Khaitan (Senior Director and Distinguished Scientist, Google DeepMind) an Jitesh Kumar, Senior R&D Scientist, ALC, AMTZ Pvt. Ltd. Shared their inspiring journey.
Another highlight of the event was the alumni was the launch of NIT Rourkela Development Fund, a proposal to raise Rs 60.0 Crores in 3 years. This fund will be managed by a Board comprising of faculty members from the Institute and alumni representatives from NIT Rourkela Alumni Association (NITRAA) and Overseas Alumni Association (NITROAA). On the first day of launch itself the 1991 and 1992 batch alumni pledged Rs 1.0 Crore each to the fund. On behalf of NITRAA, Sri Fakir Charan Mohanty, President announced to provide an electric bus to support the sustainable development initiatives of the Institute. Sri Binod Aggrawal, Distinguished Alumnus of 1985 batch contributed Rs. 10.0 lakhs and left it to the Institute for utilization and pledged more support in coming days. Dr Bharatendu Deo, another alumnus of 1985 batch handed over the key of an 8 seated electric vehicle to the Director for ue by staf and students in the campus.
The cultural programs were a highlight of the meet, with mesmerizing performances by renowned artists, singers, and Odissi dancers, alongside a spirited performance by the music bands from NIT Rourkela vi. Euphony and Heartbeats. The history of the Institute was depicted through sand animation by renowned and artist Sri Raghavendra Hegde, provide the alumni a Virtual Campus Tour.
The meet served as a platform for meaningful networking. Alumni reconnected with seniors from diverse industries such as energy, consumer products, healthcare, investment banking, and technology. Many attendees pledged their support to the institute through financial contributions, mentoring initiatives, and efforts to boost campus placements for students. The NIT Rourkela Global Alumni Meet 2024 concluded with a heartfelt farewell, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a renewed sense of belonging.