- Historic reunion sees alumni from 1964–1996 reconnect with mentors after decades
- Top leaders underline values-driven education, mentorship and nation-building roles
- Institution unveils modern infrastructure push and future academic vision
- Alumni pledge stronger engagement, mentorship and support for next-gen students
RAJENDRAN G MUDALIAR
AHMEDABAD, APR 19
In a rare coming together of generations, the Navgujarat Group of Colleges hosted a landmark alumni meet at its Ashram Road campus, where leaders across politics, business and public service credited the institution for shaping their journeys—while calling for deeper alumni engagement, mentorship and future-ready education.
The meet marked a historic milestone, bringing together alumni spanning over 25 years alongside former faculty members, many of whom revisited the campus for the first time in decades.
Welcoming the gathering, Principal Nitinbhai Shah said the institution’s enduring strength lies in its academic ethos and alumni legacy, while Trustee Mukesh Shah reflected on its steady evolution over the years.
Managing Trustee Snehal Shah outlined the road ahead: “We are building modern infrastructure and future-ready facilities while preserving the core values that define Navgujarat. The aim is to create an ecosystem where students are globally competitive and socially responsible.”
‘Institution shaped who we are today’: Narhari Amin
Delivering a keynote address, Narhari Amin said, “The institution has been pivotal in shaping careers. Much of who I am today stems from the values and guidance of M C Shah, whose leadership created opportunities for countless students.”
He added, “Numerous leaders and public representatives have emerged from here, reflecting its enduring legacy. Beyond academics, it instilled humility, service and social responsibility.”
Acknowledging the organisers, he said, “I appreciate Snehal Shah and Mukesh Shah for bringing us together… as alumni, we would be proud to contribute to the institution’s continued growth.”
Voices from alumni: bridging past, present and future
Distinguished speakers including Kumarpal Desai and Trilokbhai Parikh reflected on education’s transformative role, while alumni across sectors shared professional journeys rooted in the institution’s value system.
Addressing key questions on the future of alumni engagement and institutional growth, leaders emphasised:
- On alumni integration: “Structured mentorship, internships and industry linkages must be strengthened so alumni directly impact student outcomes.”
- On global readiness: “Curriculum and exposure must align with global standards while retaining local relevance.”
- On skills and innovation: “Emerging areas like AI, entrepreneurship and data-driven careers must be embedded into academic frameworks.”
- On institutional roadmap: “The next phase must focus on research, industry partnerships and international collaborations.”
A legacy institution, a future-focused vision
The event also saw participation from prominent alumni including Nikhil Shah (Waghbakri Group), Hitendra Rathod (Income Tax Commissioner), Harish Shah (Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax), Amrit Patel (former Joint Secretary), Vinay Dave (media personality), Ashwin Patel (Naroda Coop Bank), Haresh Pandit (Axis Life Insurance), Shailesh Shah (advocate), Rajkumar Gupta (former MLA), and Dr Jagdish Bhavsar (economist).
The reunion concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to strengthening lifelong bonds and building a dynamic alumni-driven ecosystem.