Alumni in India pledge to build a network in Chennai

Former students make plans for a new chapter of the alumni association at a reception hosted by Imperial President & Rector Sir Keith O'Nions.

The Chennai reception, held on January 5, provided the first opportunity in recent years for alumni living in and around the city to get together. It was the first in a series of Imperial alumni events held this month in India.

The new chapter agreed by the alumni in Chennai will build on the achievements of the rest of the Alumni Association in India, which were praised by Sir Keith: "India has one of the most effective alumni communities. It spans the generations, bringing together recent graduates and people who were Imperial students in the 1940s. Imperial has a strong brand in India thanks to your achievements."

Over a tea reception, alumni heard about the latest activities at Imperial and shared memories of their studies.

Narayanaswami Venkataramani (BEng Mechanical Engineering 1963, MSc 1964), Chairman and Managing Director of India Pistons Limited described his enthusiasm for strengthening links between alumni in Chennai: "I am what I am today thanks to the basic grounding I had from the College.  Imperial is a great institution and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

“I'm sure that many alumni had the same amazing experience. We can help promote the common interests of Imperial and contribute to the further greatness of the institution."

As guests discussed how they could work together socially and professionally to develop a new alumni chapter in India, Sir Keith said: "It's terrific that there's such an immediate response. It would be wonderful if you could strengthen the alumni network here."

Imperial is in touch with 800 alumni in India. More than 40 live in Chennai.

See a slideshow of images from the event or the full set of photographs on flickr