The rationale of alumni meets is meant to ensure that former students of an institution don't feel being cut off from their roots.
First of all, I believe that everyone at one point or another in life faces a crisis and sometimes during such moments one is led astray or is utterly disoriented. So many successful executives and professionals commit suicide in a state of deep depression because they lose track of their true identity and goal of life as they become 'cog in the wheels' in pursuing their profession and living a day to day hectic, monotonous life and having to put up with tough deadlines. They don't really get the appropriate outlet to give vent to heir true feelings.
In this context, one gets a golden opportunity in the form of one’s alma mater in order to remain connected to one's roots which is the right place to reorient, re-discover and redefine oneself in times of crisis thereby not being driven to drastic steps such as suicide.
Secondly, such meets allow one to forge new relations and be in contact with successful and eminent people from the same profession who serve as both an inspiration and prospective source of assistance and help in times of need.
Thirdly, the alumni come forward to assist and contribute towards the 'health' and betterment of their alma mater for the benefit of existing students by making contributions in cash and kind as also by sharing their invaluable professional experience with prospective employees.
Fourthly, all prestigious institutions the world over have attained the stature that they finally have by allowing the alumni of that institution involve themselves in the work of institution building, finally taking the institution to dizzy heights.
Last but not the least, the alumni also become the role model for the students who try to emulate them.
But a word of caution, an alumni meet should first decide on its objectives, rationale and the benefits for all - the students, the institution and the alumni as well. An alumni meet shouldn't become a mere occasion for fun and entertainment. It is a serious business and must be treated in a very professional and business-like fashion.
Devashish Chakraborty
M.A (Part I) Mass Communication & Journalism
Department of Mass Communication & Jourmalism
Panjab University
