PGPX 2015 Reunion: Dec 26 to Dec 28, 2025
By Namita Jain and Yasesh Shah
Did we ever leave the campus?
When we left the campus after convocation, marking the end of a transformative year at IIMA, we made a promise—to keep meeting, to keep reuniting, and to keep returning. Part of that vow helped soften the pain of parting; the rest came from the realization that we had gained something truly invaluable—not just from the institute, but from one another.
Over the years, we kept that promise in fragments. We met in small groups, across cities and countries. Some of us returned to campus on our own schedules—to attend events, deliver talks, seek advice from professors, or simply walk familiar paths and relive memories, like a quiet pilgrimage. But it was at the 10-year reunion on 26 December 2025 that we finally did all three together — return, reconnect, and reunite as a batch. Something that lived constantly in our thoughts, occasionally in our plans, and often in our dreams over the past decade. And finally, it happened.
PGPX14-15 – The batch of many firsts
The PGPX14-15 batch is remembered—by students, faculty, and staff alike—as a batch of many firsts. The most iconic among them was our first-ever victory at IIMA T-Nite. More than a competition win, it marked the arrival of “Section X” at the heart of IIMA’s cultural life, challenging the stereotype of an executive program meant only for experienced (read: “old”) professionals. The shift in energy and collaboration between PGPX and the wider IIMA community was unmistakable—and, as we witnessed during the reunion, it has only strengthened over time.
There were many other firsts across academic, administrative, and cultural spheres: the first formal appeal to be included in the IIMA constitution; a record number of speaker series sessions; expanded alumni and industry connect initiatives such as Connexions and XPressions; and even the first-ever PGPX 5 km Run. Since then, the PGPX program itself has grown significantly — doubling its intake, earning consistent international rankings, gaining recognition as a master’s degree, and evolving into one of IIMA’s global flagships. We say this with pride, knowing that among our batchmates are successful founders, global business leaders, top legal counsel recognized by Forbes, and industry trailblazers.
The TIN Reunion
With this backdrop, we began planning our return to campus. We still remember the disbelief of the Alumni Office when we shared that more than 45 of us—nearly half the batch—along with our families, planned to attend. Another first. And yet another: a record turnout for a TIN reunion, with batchmates traveling from as far as Australia and the UK specifically for the occasion. It promised to be a true refresher of our campus days—and it delivered on every count.
As batchmates and families arrived, the campus was filled with warmth and joy. For many spouses and children, this was their first visit. kids who had once lived on campus and were now teenagers; others, younger than ten, were meeting this extended “family” for the first time—having known them only through stories. One child captured the spirit perfectly when she asked her father, “How come you have so many best friends, and how come I’ve never met them?” As we greeted one another with hugs, smiles, and laughter, the ten-year gap simply melted away. It felt as though we had graduated just yesterday—a feeling beyond words.
The reunion was thoughtfully curated by our organizing team along with the Alumni Office. The first day began with a visit to the vibrant IIMA Ventures facility, whose growth over the years was evident even on a holiday. We heard about its vision and focus areas and attended a panel discussion featuring a space-tech founder alongside a sports entrepreneur from our own batch. An informal high tea followed before we returned to familiar territory—the classroom.
A case study masterclass by Prof. Debjit Roy awaited us, held in CR1—the very room where many of us had spent countless hours a decade ago. Sitting there again brought back vivid memories of intense debates, late nights, and defining moments that shaped who we are today.
The evening was spent interacting with the current PGPX batch, answering questions, and engaging with alumni and placement committees. Later, we walked through the legendary tunnel to the main campus, soaking in the nostalgia of the Louis Kahn Plaza and the heritage we proudly call our own—this time with our families alongside us. After a hearty dinner at IMDC, the celebrations continued with a lively Rasna night, filled with laughter and shared stories.
Day two began early with a photoshoot at LKP, everyone proudly wearing reunion jerseys. The playful chaos—arguments over group formations, laughter, and attempts to hide the one person who showed up in shorts—made it clear that time hadn’t changed us much at all. We got carried away so much that we ran late, prompting Prof. Amit Karna to graciously open a classroom at the main campus for his address. Listening to him speak about the scale, achievements, and future vision of PGPX filled us with pride and optimism.
This was followed by a high-energy session from our then PGPX Chair, Prof. Anurag Aggarwal, who delivered a brilliant masterclass on leadership, law, and transcending global barriers—peppered, as always, with his signature Bollywood flair. Beyond the learning, what resonated deeply was the affection and goodwill our professors continue to hold for their students, regardless of time or distance.
Wanting our families to experience this bond firsthand, we requested that they be allowed into the classroom—and the professors generously agreed. Sitting in an IIMA classroom alongside our children was a unique and unforgettable experience. The faculty were so engaging that even the youngest listeners stayed attentive. Prof. Vishwanath Pingali’s interactive session on bias in marketing, followed by Prof. Sunil Handa’s inspiring talk on entrepreneurship and pursuing extraordinary goals without worrying about age or timelines, left us energized and reflective. All the remaining rust was well and truly shaken off.
The reunion culminated in a grand gala dinner at the IMDC lawns, beautifully set for an evening of music, games, laughter, and dance. To our delight, our professors joined us—not just as guests, but as performers, sharing their favorite songs. Watching our families witness the enduring camaraderie, joy, and spirit of the PGPX batch—still alive and vibrant after a decade—was perhaps the most fulfilling moment of all.
Vows Renewed – Until We Meet Again
As the night drew to a close, one thing was clear: the promise we made ten years ago—to keep returning—was not only kept.
It was renewed.
Namita Jain – Head of Business Consulting team, Ericsson, focusing on 5G and Enterprise monetization; 18 years of experience in the Telco industry and a PGPX14-15 alumnus.
Yasesh Shah -A PGPX 14-15 alumnus, having 20 years of experience building products and tech solutions across Banking, Telecom, Travel, and Media industries.
