The vision of bringing together IIT Roorkee alumni from across the globe began as a dream in late 2018. A dedicated alumnus, Dr. Ai Bahadur Gurung, then living and working in Canada, had a heartfelt desire to reunite former students from this prestigious institution in the warmth of Kathmandu. His wish was to rekindle the bonds of friendship and professional camaraderie that had been fostered in the historic halls of IIT Roorkee. Although Dr. Gurung is no longer with us, may his soul rest in peace, his idea lived on and continued to inspire.
This brilliant vision found a home in IIT Roorkee Alumni Association Nepal (IITRAAN), the umbrella organization that proudly represents nearly 500 alumni spanning from the late nineteenth century to the present day, many of whom now reside in countries around the world. This vision of a grand reunion generated a buzz, and the alumni, inspired and excited, embarked on a series of online meetings to bring this idea to life.
However, just as the momentum was building, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The world came to a halt, and this much-anticipated reunion seemed destined to remain a distant hope. Despite the setback, the strength of the IIT Roorkee alumni network prevailed. Over the challenging years, IITRAAN members continued to stay connected, and as the world began to heal and regain a sense of normalcy, so did the dream of the grand reunion.
In the spirit of resilience, IITRAAN’s newly elected Executive Committe revived the idea, and with renewed enthusiasm, planning resumed by forming an organizing committee of committed alumni friends under the Command of the Coordinator Purushottam Shrestha. Finally, on 25th October 2024, the much-anticipated event became a reality at Pataleban Resort, nestled in the scenic outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. This memorable gathering brought together over 100 alumni friends and their families, united in spirit and purpose to celebrate the friendships that have transcended time and borders.
The event was a joyful success. Alumni, many meeting after decades, indulged in delicious food, drinks, singing, dancing, and heartfelt conversations, reconnecting as if no time had passed. The dedication and energy of a core group of passionate alumni organizers made the reunion a cherished experience, etching lasting memories for everyone who attended and ended with a resounding resolution to organize every alternate year, the next being sometime in 2026,
The Grand Reunion at Pataleban was more than a gathering; it was a heartfelt homage to our shared legacy, a celebration of enduring friendships, and a tribute to Dr. Ai Bahadur Gurung’s dream that became a reality. This event, held in the heart of Nepal, was a reminder of the spirit of IIT Roorkee and the strength of our community that will continue to grow and flourish across generations and borders.