"SANSHREY 2025" – Alumni Homecoming at IIM Visakhapatnam

Sanshrey 2025, themed “Reflect, Reconnect, Relive,” took place on January 25, 2025, as a grand celebration of the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam’s (IIMV) alumni. The event, organized by the Student-Alumni Relations Committee in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Office, was held on the beautifully landscaped permanent campus of IIMV, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable gathering.

The event saw a strong turnout of nearly 120 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and the entire IIMV fraternity. Attendees represented nine different batches across several programs, including PGP, PGPEx, PGPCEP, PhD, PGPDGM, and Executive Certificate Programs. Many of these alumni hold prominent leadership positions in the industry, underscoring the significant role IIMV has played in shaping successful careers.

The official inaugural ceremony commenced at the IIMV Auditorium, a fitting venue for the evening’s proceedings. In the opening remarks, Prof. Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty, Dean of Academics, formally welcomed all attendees, stating, “On behalf of IIM Visakhapatnam, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each of you. Welcome home, welcome to the family.” He emphasized the enduring bond between alumni and the Institute, highlighting the significance of the event as an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine their shared experiences while rekindling old friendships and fostering new ones.

Prof. Kaveri Krishnan, Dean of Administration, shared her insights on the Institute’s decade-long journey of growth and innovation. She highlighted the introduction of programs such as PGPMCI, EMBA, and other short-duration initiatives designed to foster innovation among students and alumni alike.

Prof. Amit Sankar, Dean of Research, spoke about IIMV’s far-reaching impact, touching base with over 1,261 students and focusing on the Institute’s commitment to building character and not just academic degrees.

Prof. Deepika Gupta, Chairperson of CDS & Alumni Relations, updated the attendees on various alumni initiatives, including the formation of the IIMV Alumni Association. She shared the Institute’s ongoing efforts to create more engagement opportunities such as Samagam Talks, where IIMV hosts alumni to share their expertise and insights with current students. She also highlighted the Alumni Shine series, which celebrates the success stories of alumni, inspiring future generations of IIMV students. Furthermore, Prof. Gupta mentioned that IIMV had successfully organized three-alumni chapter meetings across the country, each drawing close to 100 participants. She expressed the desire to expand these events and create more opportunities for alumni to stay connected and engaged with the Institute.

To commemorate IIMV’s 10th anniversary, the Institute introduced the Young Alumnus Achiever Award (YAAA) for the 2024-25 academic year. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding alumni who have shown exceptional promise and early success in their careers while making significant societal contributions. The YAAA serves to celebrate alumni achievements and strengthen their connection with the alma mater. Out of eight nominations received for the inaugural YAAA, Mr. Kunal Jaitely from the MBA 2015-17 batch was selected as the recipient. The award acknowledges his exceptional contributions to both his profession and community.

The Chief Guest, Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director of IIM Visakhapatnam, in his address, emphasized the importance of alumni giving back to the community. He spoke about the potential for alumni to mentor current students, provide career opportunities through hiring, and support events and initiatives that foster the growth of the Institute. He highlighted that Sanshrey 2025 provided the ideal platform for alumni to converse, converge, and collaborate He encouraged alumni to actively contribute to the growth of the Institute by sharing their knowledge and experiences, mentoring young minds, and establishing Centers of Excellence. Prof. Chandrasekhar also stressed the critical role alumni play in sustaining the legacy of the institution and shaping its future trajectory through continuous engagement.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Somashekara MN, Officer – CDS & AR. He expressed gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and every stakeholder who contributed to making the event a success. Mementoes were distributed as tokens of appreciation to the alumni, further cementing the bond between them and IIMV.