PGP 76 Reunion: Jan 29 to Jan 31, 2026
By Vijaya Kumar
How does one begin to describe the grandeur of our Golden Reunion (IIMA Batch of ’76)? How can words capture the joy, nostalgia, and emotions shared by the 160 participants who came together for this landmark event?
The success of the reunion is already being discussed at our Alma Mater, perhaps even setting a benchmark for future batches. Yet the “behind-the-scenes” story of how it all came together stays untold. What follows is an attempt to uncover that and revisit our journey, a journey that drew deeply on the principles we learned during our PGP days fifty years ago.
Planting the Seed
It all began in October 2024 during a Zoom call with Pradeep Bhashyam, Raman Nanda, and the Alumni and External Relations Office. While the immediate context was Pradeep’s generous donation to the Endowment Fund, the Alumni Office gently nudged us about our plans for the Golden Reunion. That spark quickly grew into a flame.
Raman Nanda, the chief initiator, spoke individually with seven of us, and each readily volunteered to make this an event of a lifetime. Naturally, he became “The Chair.” The Reunion Committee included Amal Dhruv, Jayakumar, Karti Inamdar, MSA Kumar, Rajiv Inamdar, Raman Nanda, Sushil Vachani, and Vijaya Kumar.
Defining the Vision
As any good IIMA team would, we began by clearly defining our objectives:
– The Golden Reunion should be a memorable experience that participants will cherish for a long time.
– Spouses must feel it is as much their reunion as it is for the alumni.
– All of this must be delivered within a reasonable budget.
– Given that most alumni are now in their seventies, the programme must be easy-paced.
This clarity of purpose became our guiding light.
Building Momentum
Polls on our WhatsApp group helped finalise dates and the venue, despite committee members being widely dispersed, with one based in the U.S. and others travelling extensively; we met via Zoom more than a dozen times. Each member brought distinctive strengths, and together we worked seamlessly, embodying the spirit of mutual respect and shared ownership that has always defined the Batch of ’76.
Once Ahmedabad was chosen, Jayakumar, Karti, and Raman visited the city to check hotels and coordinate with the Alumni Office. What followed was a gentle but sustained “marketing effort” to encourage participation. Our first estimate was modest: about 100 participants, including spouses. Excitement soon built, and registrations exceeded expectations. As numbers grew, our room requirement rose from 75 to 88.
There were 156 of us who graduated, out of whom thirty are no longer with us. From the remaining 126, we had 88 batchmates( plus 3 spouses of batchmates who have passed away). That works out to a staggeringly large 70 percent! A figure which we are proud of!
Honouring Our Teachers
One of the most meaningful initiatives was our tribute to nearly 50 faculty members. With the Alumni Office’s help, we traced them or, where necessary, their next of kin. Batchmates personally delivered “The Gratitude Scroll.” Eleven faculty members joined us on campus for group interactions. The experience was profoundly emotional and unforgettable.
(In frame: Prof. Bharat Bhasker (Director, IIM-A) and Dean (AER), along with former faculty Members)
The Final Stretch
As the months rolled by, we entered the serious phase of dotting the “i” s and crossing the “t” s. Zoom meetings multiplied, and detailed discussions followed with event managers, transport coordinators, printers, and others. Equally important were conversations around the very construct of the reunion itself: What activities should we plan on campus? What sightseeing options would work best? What kind of entertainment would strike the right chord on Gala Night?
And then magically, everything fell into place.
Cruisin’ down memory lane — music, dance, and memories afloat.
Three Nights of Warmth
On 28th January, Abhaya and Anuradha Jain graciously hosted a dinnerfor batchmates, joined by faculty. The following evening, Sudhir and Nalini Krishnamurthy treated us to a delightful Gujarati meal at Agashiye. On 30th January, the Institute hosted a Gala Dinner at IIM-A, an elegant and fitting setting.
Hosted dinner – start of reunion nights.
One particularly emotional moment was when the Director (IIM-A) and Dean (AER) honoured each batchmate with a stole. Spouses shared how proud they felt that their partners were graduates of this great institution. Campus walks triggered waves of nostalgia, while the 90-minute river cruise offered laughter, music, and dancing. Splitting participants into two groups proved helpful for logistics, with lanyards and bus numbers ensuring smooth boarding.
Thoughtfully curated goody bags added warmth: spice packs from Kerala, a book co-authored by MSA Kumar, T-shirts and caps designed by Karti and MSA Kumar, and Khakra packs courtesy Amal Dhru. Each item carried a distinctive touch.
Gala Night – The Crescendo
The Gala Night on 31st January was the crescendo of the Golden Reunion. Its defining feature was inclusivity: bringing as many participants as possible onto the stage. Nearly fifty performed at one point or another. The banquet hall at Hyatt Regency seemed custom-built for our celebration.
Jayakumar and Vijaya Kumar were tasked with making the evening unforgettable. A dedicated WhatsApp group allowed spouses to shape their own programme, resulting in a delightful skit, a medley of songs, and the decision to sport Bandhini sarees. Thanks to Smita Dhru’s efforts, fifty-plus sarees were ready by check-in.
Bandhini, beats, and broad smiles — the spouses steal the show.
The entertainment was designed around participation rather than perfection. Highlights included soulful songs, lively dances, nostalgic medleys, fun awards, and the surprise showstopper: the “Power Pairs Walk by Retro Rajas and Ranis.” The evening concluded with a medley of four songs, ending fittingly with “Yaadon Ki Baraat.”
Gala crescendo — nearly fifty participants perform in the inclusive Gala Night programme, from songs to skits and the Power Pairs Walk.
The Classbook
The Classbook was another resounding success, thanks to the tireless efforts of Sushil Vachani, MSA Kumar, Karti Inamdar, Jaspal Bajwa, and Ankur Gupta. It captured memories and stories, becoming a keepsake for all.
Giving Back
Equally satisfying was the reunion’s contribution to IIMA’s vision of inclusive access to excellence. Ably anchored by Rajiv Inamdar, the IIMA Endowment Fund facilitated a batch donation drive to establish Means-cum-Merit Scholarships for deserving first-year PGP and FABM students. Earlier, Pradeep Bhashyam had individually contributed to the Institute, while another batchmate, CP Garg, committed to make a generous contribution to support deserving students. Along with several other batchmates, the cohort came together to give generously, creating an extraordinary legacy that will support generations of IIMA students.
A Priceless Success
In the end, the smiles on the faces of batchmates and their spouses said it all. Our objectives had been fully met. Those moments of joy, pride, and togetherness are truly priceless. And when our friends started saying: YEH DIL MAANGE MORE, we knew that the job was done well!
The Golden Reunion of the Batch of ’76 was not just a gathering; it was a record-setting celebration of friendship, gratitude, and shared history. It showed what can be achieved when processes are clear, emotions are honoured, and everyone contributes wholeheartedly. We must mention here the wholehearted cooperation offered to us by the institute and the team at the Alumni office. Without their support and guidance, it would have remained a well-crafted plan on paper!
Written by N S VIJAYA KUMAR with inputs given by the members of the Reunion Committee.
Anyone who would like more details can reach out at vijaysrilata@gmail.com.
