Happy New Year

Keeping up with the jolly festivities that nip the cold December air and as is the spirit of the season, I’d like to heartily wish each one of you a

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”
May the New Year bless each of our lives and leave a positive impact!

The last few days have been truly memorable for Symbiosis with global personalities descending and leaving their positive impressions behind! It began with the visit of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the  State Minister for External Affairs who graced the 6th Convocation ceremony of the Symbiosis International University on 6th December 2009, thereby keeping up with the yearly tradition of having such intellectuals as Chief Guests for our graduation ceremonies! Dr. Tharoor with his captivating personality and needless to mention “awe inspiring speech quoted with subtle English humor” definitely had the two thousand odd gathering spell bound! His gregarious nature and gift of the gab came to the forefront during the dinner party hosted in his honor at the Le Meridian where he effortlessly interacted and patiently answered the plethora of questions posed by the elite and mighty personalities of Pune city!

Following suit, was the visit of another Esteemed Guest of Honor RT H.E Anerood Jugnauth, the erstwhile President of Mauritius and the First Lady – Sarojini Jugnauth. The charming First couple along with the High Commissioner of Mauritius Mr. Mukeshwar Choonee made our campus their home for two days and actively partook in the various activities drawn out for them. Though most part of their day one visit was spent at a city college, the second day was completely devoted to the warm hospitality Symbiosis extended. The day began early with a visit paid to the First Couple by Dr. Mujumdar, Madam Mujumdar and myself. After a tour of the Afro Asian Museum followed by rounds of the Ambedkar Museum, we made our way to the picturesque landscapes of the Lavale campus where the Symbiosis International University is situated. The Honorable Vice Chancellor along with the Registrar welcomed all of us and led up to what was a good mix of formal-informal meetings, greetings and speeches with Heads of all Symbiosis Institutes and students. However, it was the captivating dance program put up by the Mauritian students that had the VIPs letting their hair down and completely soaking in the moves. A lovely dinner reception at the Le Meridian that night befittingly concluded this exciting visit.

And after VIP visits, it was time for fun and frolic at the Christmas party lovingly put up by the International Students Council with the help of the International Office. Staged for entertainment and exuding oodles of enthusiastic creativity as is the nature of young students were plays, dramas, carol singing, games and gala merry making in all its glory! The hostelites who made up the audience had the best time and went home for their holidays with a big smile of their faces. The spirit of Christmas is just so contagious.

With so much happening in the week and all year round, I now look forward to the New 2010 and hope Symbiosis carves out an even higher mark for itself.

Wish you a Very Happy New Year!

Tags: 2009, convocation, wishes