'Silver Reunion' of IIT Madras from Dec 27

Chennai, Dec 19: The 1981 graduating batch of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras will hold their ''Silver Reunion'' here during December 27-29 and identify specific projects to make collective and significant impact in society.

In a release here, Mr Mohanraj Pandian, Coordinator, Organising committee of the IIT Madras Alumni Association said most of the alumni, along with their family members, are expected to congregate on campus for the nostalgic occasion.

About half of them are residing in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand and the association has lined up several events, both on and off the campus, as part of its Silver Reunion, he said.

A notable feature of the event is a panel discussion on ''Future Technology and its impact on our lives'' to be held during the inaugural session on December 27, Mr Mohanraj said.

Alumni executives, representing various industries, ranging from automotive to healthcare to IT are scheduled to participate. Prof Ananth, Director, IIT Madras will address the inaugural session and offer his vision for the future of IIT Madras, he said.

Raising of funds by the alumni for various Institute-related and societal initiatives will be another important aspect of the Silver Reunion. The 1981 batch has already raised more than Rs One crore, which would be utilised for various projects such as rural uplift, upgrading of Institute infrastructure and continuing educational opportunities for the disadvantaged.

''The Silver Reunion would provide an opportunity for the 1981 batch to meet and to identify specific projects where a collective and significant impact can be made,'' Mr Mohanraj said.

UNI