MB#20: 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙣𝙞 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠.
- www.suryanarayana.com
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
[MemoirBlogthon#20] In January 1991, my father, a professional engineer, took the visionary step of establishing a Vijayawada chapter for the Engineering College Old Students Association Kakinada (ECOSAK). As a coordinator in the formative years, his objective was simple yet profound: to create a structure for alumni to meet, share experiences, and support the college that launched their professional lives.
The Core Event & Stakes: Building the Alumni Ecosystem
In January 1991, my father, a professional engineer, took the visionary step of establishing a Vijayawada chapter for the Engineering College Old Students Association Kakinada (ECOSAK). As a coordinator in the formative years, his objective was simple yet profound: to create a structure for alumni to meet, share experiences, and support the college that launched their professional lives.
I didn't immediately grasp the depth of his interest, as my college did not have such a robust association. When I asked him why he devoted so much energy to this venture, he laid out a comprehensive manifesto on the necessity of lifelong professional and social bonds:
Career Development: Alumni gatherings are accessible platforms to expand professional networks within a trusted community.
Knowledge Sharing: Events foster continuous learning, helping professionals stay relevant with new industry insights.
Mentorship and Collaboration: These events serve as valuable resources for identifying genuine mentors and offer a clear path for seasoned professionals to give back.
The Crucial Contrast: Medicine for the Mind
My father summed up the philosophical "why" behind all this work in a sentence I will never forget. The event highlighted the important difference between professional fatigue and social restoration:
"We earn degrees, settle into jobs or other vocations, and dedicate our lives to our professions, only retiring when we find ourselves exhausted." He concluded, "Every now and then we must reminisce with our college friends and meet them occasionally, and this works as a health tonic."This perspective—that reconnecting is essential for mental and emotional well-being—was a core tenet of his philosophy. I realized that the value of the network extended far beyond professional listings; it was social medicine.
The Legacy & Current Reflection: The Fruits of Connection
My father's initiative led to the formal recognition of the Vijayawada chapter by ECOSAK in 2006, creating a lasting legacy that continues to function today.
The enduring benefit of this philosophy became clear when I experienced it firsthand at my own Vijayawada Satavahana College 1976 batch old students meet. Attending the event, even with a five-hour drive, was deeply rewarding. I met a co-student after four decades, and we shared the journey, proving his point about the restorative power of reminiscing.
The emotional high point was honoring my former Telugu lecturer, Sri Maruthi Sarma garu, who narrated Telugu poems on the Guru and Sishya (teacher and student) relationship, underscoring the enduring connection that binds us.
This reunion also resulted in a tangible, creative connection that I celebrated on social media.
#SvsnAdmire My friend (Vijayawada Satavahana Degree College 1976 B.Com classmate), Hari Srinivas Veerubhotla, is a songwriter and producer of devotional songs. He gifted 5 CDs to me during our college alumni meet at Vijayawada in March 2020. You can gauge his talent by listening to a song he produced, featuring renowned singer Sri SP Balasubrahmanyam. I wish Hari all the best in his endeavors.I now fully understand my father's idea to champion the alumni association. I believe that regularly meeting or speaking with friends from school or college is essential for maintaining good health and discovering new avenues for professional and creative connection—a principle my father instilled long before I understood its profound, enduring benefit.
MB#20: Quiz
MB20 Question: The father's main goal for the alumni network was to help alumni meet, share, and do what else?
A. Fund new research projects.
B. Start a new business venture.
C. Support the college.
D. Mentor high school students.
MB#20: Quote