The much-anticipated PG Alumni Reunion 2025 at IIT Bombay turned out to be a truly memorable and inspiring occasion, as alumni gathered to relive their glorious years at the Institute and reconnect with both old friends and mentors.

The reunion kicked off with a warm welcome at the picturesque Gulmohar Lawns. The air was filled with excitement as alumni relived cherished memories. The vibrant energy of past students returning to the campus was palpable, as faces, now filled with years of experience, lit up at the sight of familiar surroundings.

Alumni then engaged in an enriching interaction with the Institute’s key administrators who addressed the attendees. They learned about the ongoing advancements at their alma mater, the cutting-edge research, and the ever-expanding global impact of the Institute.

Institute dignitaries who spoke at the event included:

–  Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay
–  Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Dean, Alumni and Corporate Relations (Dean ACR)
–  Prof. Milind Atrey, Dean, Academics, Research and Translation (Dean ART)
–  Prof. K.V. Krishna Rao – Deputy Director, IIT Bombay
–  Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean R&D
–  Prof. Antosh Gharpure, Prof-in-Charge, SINE, who spoke on ‘Alumni Partnerships in Incubation’
–  Prof. Swaroop Ganguly, Prof. in-Charge, Research Park, who spoke on ‘Bringing Industry Closer to Academia
–  Mr. Nikhil Sahasrabudhe, Board Member, IITBAA

The event also played a video on Project Evergreen.

There was a shared sense of pride in how the Institute had grown over the years, while the alumni offered invaluable insights from their own experiences, reinforcing the enduring bond between them and the Institute.

Later in the day, alumni visited various labs, with department heads sharing updates on their latest advancements. Many of them interacted with former supervisors and even explored possibilities for future collaborations. The excitement was infectious as they marvelled at how far the Institute had come since their time here and expressed their willingness to continue contributing to its legacy.

The evening brought a nostalgic touch as the alumni revisited their hostels, walking down memory lane, revisiting rooms and hallways that had once been their homes away from home. The bonds formed in those early years at IIT Bombay seemed to come alive again, with each visit sparking a wave of fond memories of camaraderie, late-night study sessions, and unforgettable moments of joy.

The second day of the reunion saw alumni visit SINE, the Research Park, and the TiH (Technology and Innovation Hub). These visits highlighted the Institute’s ongoing commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, and the alumni were inspired by the visionary projects underway, many of which they could relate to from their own experiences.

As the reunion drew to a close, it was a reminder of the powerful role IIT Bombay plays in the lives of its alumni — a place where lifelong friendships are forged, where minds are shaped, and where the seeds of global impact are planted. IIT Bombay is not just an educational institution; it’s a family, a support system, and a launchpad for a lifetime of success. As the alumni headed back to their respective paths, they carried with them the unwavering sense of pride, purpose, and connection that makes being a part of IIT Bombay so special.

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Alumni Voices: Reflections from the Reunion

The PG Alumni Reunion 2025 was not just about revisiting cherished memories or marvelling at the advancements of the Institute—it was also a platform to connect with individual alumni who have carved unique paths since their time at IIT Bombay. Amidst the celebrations, we had the privilege of speaking with three distinguished postgraduates, each sharing their personal journeys, professional milestones, and reflections on how their time at IIT Bombay shaped their lives. Their stories add a deeply personal dimension to the larger narrative of the reunion, highlighting the diverse and impactful legacy of our alumni community.

Anjali Deshpande (PhD, Systems and Control Department, 2008)

Ms. Anjali Deshpande completed her PhD in 2008 under the guidance of Professor Sachin Palwardhan and fondly recalls the weekly presentations in the Automation Lab, where students shared their research. These sessions were followed by memorable chai and samosa breaks at Crescent, which she described as a key highlight of her student life. In her professional journey, Ms. Deshpande became a teacher, where her PhD degree led to promotions and respect in society, allowing her to guide students in research and make a positive impact on their lives. Ms. Deshpande emphasizes the importance of giving back to the Institute and mentions her contributions to students with counselling and conducting mock interviews. She also expressed a desire to offer her expertise in Systems and Control, particularly in areas where faculty could benefit from her skills.

Krishnamoorthy Iyer (B.Tech, Engineering Physics, 1997; PhD, Electrical Engineering, 2018)

Mr. Krishnamurthy Iyer, an alumnus of both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs at IIT Bombay, shares his unique connection to the Institute, having spent nearly two decades on campus. He reflects on his most cherished memory: successfully defending his PhD thesis. Initially pursuing a career as a theoretical physicist, Mr. Iyer has evolved into a professional in theoretical electrical engineering and computer science. He acknowledges the significant role IIT Bombay played in shaping his scientific and technical knowledge and highlights his personal and professional growth during his time there. Although he has specific initiatives in mind for future collaboration with IIT Bombay faculty, he prefers to keep these plans under wraps for now.

Mukta Atre (PhD, English, 1993)

Ms. Mukta Atre, a 1993 PhD graduate from the Humanities Department (English), expressed her gratitude for the IIT Bombay PG Reunion event, which was previously not a separate gathering for postgraduates. She shared her unique experience as a doctoral student with an arts background, having come from an MPhil at HCU. Ms. Atre specifically chose IIT Bombay to work with Professor Viney Kripal, known for her specialization in Indian writing and English. She described the experience of being a woman with an arts background in a predominantly technical institution, where many were unaware of the existence of the Humanities Department. Ms. Atre highlighted her teaching experience during her PhD and how interacting with science students inspired her future career in English teaching for technical students. She credits her five years at IIT Bombay as one that significantly influenced her growth as both a person and a teacher.

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These stories from our alumni showcase the profound impact of their time at IIT Bombay — not just on their professional journeys but on their personal growth as well. Each memory shared is a testament to the Institute’s enduring legacy of nurturing excellence, fostering lifelong connections, and inspiring contributions that continue to shape the world.

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