Past Events 2004

Spring Dinner 2004

The 4th April was certainly an evening to remember and cherish as IITians from almost all IITs came together for a third IIT London Chapter alumni dinner, once again at the Malabar Junction, an upmarket South Indian restaurant in London following the success of the last event at the same venue.

Over 85 enthusiastic IITians, including their families and friends from a wide range of professions mingled freely and it was definitely a meeting of ‘clever minds’. The chief speaker on this occasion was Dr. Premen Addy, Editor of the India Weekly. He gave a thought provoking speech on the technological and scientific advancements that India has made with the help of institutions like the IITs, which are creations of Nehru’s vision.

In June 2004, we organised a meeting at the Indian YMCA to hear what the new Dean for alumni affairs had to tell us about developments back home.

Prof. Chakraborty was on his way back from visiting other alumni groups in USA and Canada. The meeting was informal and the discussion ranged widely from the recent Indian General elections to the way IIT Kharagpur might develop in the future. Someone remarked that it reminded him of the kind of discussions we used to have in the dining halls and common rooms on the campus! In fact the simple meal we had at the YMCA was reminiscent of our college days. Nostalgia it may be – but it is just great.

Visit to Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS)
& Worcester College, Oxford University, England in August 2004

The IIT London Chapter organised a trip of association members, their families and friends to OCHS in the spectacular city of Oxford, UK followed by a visit to Worcester College.

OCHS is the only institute in the world outside India to give formal education in Hindu Studies including doctorates. It has an interesting mix of students from all over the world including far off places like California, USA etc. OCHS director, Shaunaka Rishidas (originally of Irish ancestry) says that they are very proud of being able to offer these courses in Oxford. He reiterates that the studies are not reserved for practicing Hindus but are to study what Hindus practice and as a result there are more non Hindu students than Hindu students.

The Association was also very fortunate to have Dr. Ranjit Sondhi, member of the governing board of BBC, as a guest speaker on this occasion. Dr. Sondhi gave a real thought provoking but hilarious talk to the group on the issues facing Asian British later on the lush green lawns of Worcester College in the shadows of 14th/ 15th century architecturally astounding college buildings. The talk was followed by some very healthy and intelligent discussion including the families and friends of IITians.

Diwali-Christmas (2004) Celebration at the fashionable Marble Arch, London

The highlight of 2004 must be the lunch on 5th December at the elite Bombay Palace Restaurant, London, when we had India’s new High Commissioner to the UK – Mr. Kamalesh Sharma with his wife Smt. Babli Sharma as our Chief Guests. Other eminent guests included Lord Bhattacharyya of Moseley and Mr. Shaunaka Rishidas, Director of Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

The event was oversubscribed with over one hundred people attending. Last minute requests had to be turned down as the venue could not accommodate all. Everyone enjoyed themselves as the venue, food and most of all – the company was excellent.

The then, IITLC Chairman, Satish Arora gave a brief review of the London Chapter’s activities and then welcomed the chief guests. Peter Chan then formally introduced His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma to the members.

Mr’ Sharma’s credentials are truly awesome. His foreign service includes a number of ambassadorial postings and that of Permanent Representative for India to the UN. To top it all, he was appointed by Kofi Anan, the Secretary General of the UN as his special representative to East Timor from 2002-2004 to oversee that country through new nationhood. And just when he thought he would retire, he was offered the prestigious position of the Indian High Commissioner to the UK.

HE gave a splendid talk about India’s place in the contemporary world, drawing attention to the key role which technology will play in making countries such as India and China the economic engines of the future. HE and his wife also a spent a lot of time talking to the guests and charmed every body with their presence.

The afternoon ended with Peter Chan giving a very humorous talk on ‘Being an IITian’, which had everyone rolling in the chairs with laughter. This was followed by a free raffle.

IITLC will like to thank the Citibank NRI section for sponsoring the event and all the guests without whose presence the function would not have been the success it was.

All committee members and their families provided the support in organising the function; Satish Arora maintained the guest list and provided the lead, R K Jain organised the venue, Shivani Gurtu and Mamta Ahuja welcomed the guests, B K Gurtu was Master of Ceremonies, P K Agrawala presented slide show of the past events and Rajeev Benodekar/ P Chan contributed to the raffle prizes.”