A Reunion Marked by Nostalgia and Commitment
Alumni of the International School of Business & Media (ISB&M), Nande, from the 2001–2003 academic batch, gathered for an enthusiastic reunion nearly 25 years after completing their studies. The event, as reported by both Free Press Journal and The Times of India, was a moment to reminisce about college days and reflect on the significant role ISB&M played in shaping their personalities, leadership abilities, and professional careers.
Attended by ISB&M Founder-President Dr. Pramod Kumar and several prominent alumni, the reunion saw leaders from various industries return to their alma mater. Free Press Journal listed several notable attendees, including Amit Diwan (Country Manager, Symphony Limited Dubai), Ketan Raikar (Co-founder, PeopleSquare Human Resource Consulting), Sandeep Bakshi (CEO, Nuvora), Shalu Sharma (AVP, KFin Technologies), Aniruddha Jain (Group Head, Unity Small Finance Bank), Neeraj Kapoor (COO, OPDShure), and Arpana Ingle (Senior Lead, Infosys).
College as 'First Startup'
A recurring theme among alumni was the comparison of ISB&M to a startup. Sandeep Bakshi, CEO of Nuvora and an alumnus, remarked, "ISB&M was my first startup. The experience has proved extremely valuable in running my own company today." This sentiment was echoed by other alumni, who noted that the college taught them how to work with limited resources, solve problems, take initiative, and deliver results.
The institution's early years were memory both by the institute and its students as a period of challenges, with a combined struggle to establish a distinct identity in the field of education. Freepress Journal reported that "the students, too, took responsibility for building the reputation of the new institution," reflecting a collective effort between faculty and the first cohorts.
Lessons Carried into Careers
Reflecting on the training they received, alumni credited ISB&M with developing a broader perspective, confidence, and leadership qualities. The Free Press Journal's coverage noted that practical experiences helped build communication skills, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. The resilience to bounce back from failure and an entrepreneurial approach emerged as the most valuable lessons for many.
Neeraj Kapoor, COO of OPDShure, spoke about his early experience, as quoted by The Times of India and other outlet: "When I joined ISB&M, we were the second batch. At that time, Dr. Pramod Kumar himself was the identity of the institution for us. Under his guidance, we developed confidence, leadership qualities and a go-getter attitude. His message of 'never give up' continues to inspire me whenever I face challenges."
a Pledge to Support Future Students
The highlight of the reunion was a pledge by alumni to continue supporting the institution and its students. This commitment, as described in both reports, aims at contributing to developing a knowledge-driven generation. Alumni expressed eagerness to engage with current students, offering guidance on career choices and professional opportunities through interaction in upcoming programs.
Dr. Pramod Kumar, Founder-President, expressed his gratification at the turn-out, stating, "It is extremely gratifying to meet the alumni after 20 to 22 years. Many alumni have visited the campus for the first time, and seeing the enthusiasm on their faces is deeply satisfying in the upcoming programmes, they will interact with current students and guide them." He noted that the enthusiasm reflects the lasting bond between the institution and those who studied there.
Advice for Current Students: Be Job Creators, Not Seekers
An important part of the reunion was the interaction between alumni and current IP & B & M students, during which the alumni advised them to with courage, perseverance, hard work and an entrepreneurial mindset. They emphasized that while the nature of employment is expected to change, there will be no shortage of opportunities. Rather focusing solely on securing a job, students should focus on developing skills and even in creating businesses and jobs.
This message of the study as "job creators, not merely seekers" reflects the startup-like environment that alumni believe shaped their success. As Dr. Kumar noted, the alumni network will now play a role in guiding the next generation.
Conclusion
Nearly 25 years after their first classes, alumni of ISB & M's batch returned to the campus to celebrate their past and commit to the future, both of which are intertwined with the love of the college that fostered their growth. The pledge of continued support, combined with their advice on entrepreneurship and resilience, (these) they are paying forward the very skills they learned at their educational starting point.