By V S Srinivasan, PGP 69
Our PGP 69 batch has been extremely active in organising reunions. Ever since our first major reunion was held at the IIMA campus in 2009, we have held such reunion events at Udaipur, Bhutan, Ireland and Greece.The reunion at Puri was earlier scheduled to be held in February 2022 and it had to be cancelled because of COVID-19. However, given the undying enthusiasm of the members, the event was finally held in January 2024 which also happens to be our 55th year since graduation.
The reunion laid out over a period of three days starting from 23rd January, turned out to be an extremely enjoyable one. The joy of meeting up with old friends was awesome and visible in everything we did over the three days. 
Caption: On the pier
Caption: In front of the Konark Sun Temple
Apart from the buzz and the bonhomie the organising team had laid out a visit to the Konark Sun Temple and a boat ride on the Chilika Lake. The beautiful Sun Temple, built in the mid 13th century, is a marvellous example of the rich architectural heritage of our nation. Despite the damages due to neglect and weather, the intricately carved structure stands out as one of the finest examples of the splendour of mediaeval India. A must visit for everyone in their lifetime.
Caption: In the boat at the Chilika Lake
The visit to the Chilika Lake was another memorable highlight of our meeting. The Chilika Lake is the second largest coastal lagoon in the world, and it is spread over 1100 square kilometres. The group did the 50-kilometre trip to the lake singing all the way and munching on some delectable snacks. As the lake is shallow, there are no regular motorised boats available for the trip on the lake. Narrow canoe with outboard motor was a bit of a challenge for the gents and ladies with various degrees of discomfort with their knees and other joints. But all of them bravely squeezed in these tiny boats and had a lovely trip on the lake watching migratory birds singing away to the tune of the lashing waves on the canoes and the dolphins playing around.
Many in the group visited a nearby village to see a demo of Pattachitra painting and Gotipua dance. The Gotipua dance was performed by an all-male cast. Both these art forms have been recognized by the Government and UNESCO as heritage art forms. The visit to the world-famous Jagannath temple was another major landmark of the meeting. The live music provided for the evening get-togethers saw the late 70s and early 80-year-olds shaking their legs on the dance floor. Gorgeous food and spirited supplements brought out some of the hitherto unknown singing talents of some of the participants.
Caption: Group photo at the hotel
After three days of chatting, sight-seeing, singing and merry-making, we finally said goodbye and resolved to meet next year!
V S Srinivasan worked in Citibank in the early days and later with the 20th Century Financial Services Group in MD/CEO positions for over two decades. Later, he worked as a freelance consultant with companies in India and Africa in banking, financial services and technology. He can be reached at caerus.consult@gmail.com
