The institute hosted over 300 alumni from the Classes of 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 for a three-day celebration of memories and connections.
LUCKNOW: The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) concluded its annual alumni reunion, Nostalgia 2024, a vibrant three-day celebration held from 20th to 22nd December 2024. The event saw over 300 distinguished alumni from the Classes of 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 returning from all corners of the globe to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the enduring spirit of their alma mater.
The event kicked off with a formal inauguration ceremony, which included traditional rituals like the lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, followed by inspiring addresses from Prof. Archana Shukla, Director of IIM Lucknow, and Prof. Yash Daultani, Chairperson of Alumni Affairs. The first day also featured a guided campus tour, allowing alumni to relive cherished memories and revisit familiar landmarks that marked their time at the institute.
In her welcome address, Prof. Archana Shukla highlighted IIM Lucknow’s growth over the past 40 years, stating, “As we celebrate 40 remarkable years of IIM Lucknow, we take pride in honoring the outstanding achievements of our alumni, who have reached great heights and made a significant impact across various fields. Our alumni are trailblazers in leadership, and events like Nostalgia 2024 strengthen our connection with them as we look forward to our golden jubilee.”
The second day featured a return to the classroom, where alumni participated in a specially curated session led by Prof. R.K. Srivastava. The experience was enriched by a nostalgic quiz that revived the academic spirit of their time at IIM Lucknow. A highlight of the day was the “re-graduation ceremony,” where alumni donned convocation robes once again, reaffirming their lasting bond with the institution.
Reflecting on the event, Prof. Yash Daultani noted, “Nostalgia plays a vital role in reconnecting our over 14,000 graduates, fostering a strong sense of community and shared memories.” Prof. Vineet S. Chauhan, President of the Alumni Association, spoke about the growth of the association since its inception in 1993, highlighting its global impact with over 800 graduates each year.
The afternoon of day two was filled with camaraderie, featuring a grand alumni-faculty lunch and the lively “Sangram 2.0,” a series of games and tele matches that promoted friendly competition. The day ended with a Bollywood-themed gala dinner, offering alumni a chance to experience a red-carpet welcome, photo opportunities, and the high-energy “Razzle Dazzle” dance party.
Vaishali Bhatt, an alumna from the Class of 1994, shared her experience: “It feels great to be back at IIM Lucknow, reconnecting with old friends and batchmates. I had the chance to meet some of my batchmates after over 28 years, which was truly special. It is wonderful to see the tremendous development at IIM Lucknow, both academically and in terms of infrastructure.”
The final day began with spirited sports activities, including cricket, football, and volleyball matches, which saw enthusiastic participation from alumni. Guided tours of Lucknow’s cultural landmarks and culinary delights added to the experience for those interested in exploring the city.
The reunion culminated in a farewell ceremony, where Batch Wars winners were announced, and alumni departed with a renewed sense of connection to their alma mater and a shared vision for the future.
Bhaskar Subramanian, an alumnus from the Class of 1994, reflected on the lasting bond: “Even with all the changes in our lives, one thing remains constant—the bond we share. Returning to IIM Lucknow is always a special experience—the vibe here is truly unmatched.”
Nostalgia 2024 served as a platform for alumni to relive their IIM Lucknow journey, celebrate their collective achievements, and envision the future. The event underscored the institute’s commitment to fostering lifelong relationships with its alumni while creating an enduring legacy of excellence.
