The campus of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) on Khandwa Road was filled with vibrant energy and heartfelt reunions on Tuesday evening as graduates from various batches returned for Samagam 3.0, the university's alumni meet. The event served as a powerful bridge connecting past and present, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking spirit of community and contribution.
An Evening of Lanterns, Memories, and Reconnection
The inaugural day of Samagam 3.0 commenced at 5 pm, with many attendees describing the experience as a joyful return to their youth. The event was formally inaugurated by DAVV Vice-Chancellor Professor Rakesh Singhai, alongside other dignitaries and alumni, with a symbolic release of lanterns into the night sky. This gesture represented hope and the enduring bonds within the university community.
For Sachin Vyas, from the very first IET batch of 2000, this was a particularly special occasion. He flew from Bengaluru with his wife specifically for the meet. "This is my first alumni meet. Our batch completed 25 years this year, and I wanted to be here," he shared, his voice tinged with emotion as he explored the campus, searching for familiar faces.
The evening unfolded with a rich program of cultural performances, followed by music, dance, and dinner, allowing former students to relive the camaraderie of their college days in a festive atmosphere.
Alumni Spotlight: From Classroom Lessons to Real-World Impact
The meet was not just about reminiscing; it was a testament to the tangible impact DAVV alumni have made in their professional fields. Abhishek Ahluwalia, a 1995 alumnus of the International Institute of Professional Studies (IIPS), reflected on his journey in public service. He credited his teachers for instilling innovative problem-solving skills. "Our teachers taught us to think out of the box and come up with solutions, which helped me all these years," he stated. His work has spanned critical government projects, from rural water purification to developing solar-operated hand pumps in 2011. Notably, during the 2020-21 lockdown, he contributed to drone-based sanitisation initiatives in Indore to combat airborne bacteria.
Deepak Gupta, a gold medallist from the School of Computer Science & IT (SCSIT) 1996 batch, shared his personal connection to Indore, which became his second home after arriving from Delhi. His commitment to giving back is profound. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Gupta and his batchmates took it upon themselves to pay the fees for over 20 students from economically weaker sections, a benevolent act they have continued annually.
Building a Global Network for Future Generations
The growing strength and reach of the alumni network was a key highlight. Maya Ingle, President of the Devi Ahilya University Alumni Association (DUAA), announced the recent formation of a DUAA chapter in Germany, marking a significant step in global outreach. "Alumni in senior positions are sharing their knowledge with students through seminars and webinars, giving them wider exposure," she explained. She also emphasized ongoing outreach initiatives aimed at supporting children from underprivileged backgrounds.
For many like Meghna Tare, a biochemistry alumna from the 2002-04 batch and now an assistant professor at BITS Pilani, the event was a delightful chance to momentarily step back into a student's shoes, even if it meant rushing to catch up with friends at the canteen.
The second day of Samagam 3.0 is scheduled for Wednesday, featuring recreational games, interactive sessions with teachers and current students, and industry-academia meetings across various university departments. The event stands as a powerful reminder of the lifelong journey that begins on a university campus and the enduring legacy of its community.
