Class of 87: 2022 recap

It will be nearly 35 years since I graduated from XLRI and a couple more years from Podar College/Mumbai University. Most of us who receive higher education set goals and often achieve them, although timing may vary within a group. I got a call from three of my batch mates in Kolkata at 10 pm last week (one of whom was travelling from Mumbai) and it led to a flood of memories.

Our class size was a little over 100 students, and we did have a 25-year reunion at XLRI. The Pandemic affected our plans for a future reunion. It's amazing how time flies. Here are a few observations (please note that they may not be completely accurate).

1. 3% of our batch has died at different times in the last 3 decades. It is always a surprise when it happens, except in one case.
2. More than half of our batch is studying abroad in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, Singapore, and the Middle East.
3. Passion for India, doesn't fade when classmates are overseas, but it's easy to criticise from far away.e.
4. Our batch faced difficulties finding jobs when the economy was struggling, with mostly IT jobs available. But we greatly benefited from economic reforms after 1991.1.
5. Around 5% of the batch has moved to academia in India and overseas.
6. Less than 4% of the batch is in the same job that they joined on campus (the folks in the same job seem to retain their hair and youthfulness).
7. We had a few entrepreneurs from our batch when we graduated (maybe 3/4) and they have remained as such with some pivots in their business. However, 20/25% of the batch have become entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals. Some have retired as well and a few have also learned to play golf.
8. There were 3 marriages within the batch if I remember and all 3 couples are still together. Of course, there have been separations with the other members of the batch but in single digits only.
9. Black sheep on campus have perhaps remained so off campus as well.
10. Women batch mates tend to keep in touch with each other more than the men. They also support the Institute more.
11. Friends on campus have remained friends later on in life (campus life tends towards groups). However, connections have also been made with other batch mates, especially during business travel or holidays.
12. It's hard to know exactly how much weight people have gained without reliable data. However, on average, it seems that weight has increased by about 35% over time (around 1% per year). Some classmates have managed to maintain or even lose weight though.
13. All of us had specialised in some subject or the other e.g. Marketing, Finance etc. but I suspect a majority has moved on from these specialisations and found something they have enjoyed doing more.
14. Most if not all of our children seem to be overseas either studying or working by now. Strange as it may be, they are also unlikely to come back indicating a permanent shift in demographics.
15. FMCG/Banks and some IT companies were the favoured lot for placements 35 years ago. Now they would find it tough to be Day 0/1 companies.
16. WhatsApp seems to be the best way to communicate. However, conversations can get very toxic at times, leading to some classmates withdrawing from the group.
17. Top students may not always be the most successful in the long run, and sometimes the least successful students may surprise you with their achievements. However, career success seems to become secondary as health and family challenges arise.
18. Most of us have lost a parent and to the best of my knowledge nobody has lost a spouse. A couple of batch mates have lost a child. A few also have had major illnesses and accidents and have survived.
19. Where on campus we were free in our thinking and accepting, we are now in different groups (e.g. pro/anti Govt, religion/secular, Democratic/Republic as if it matters) and find it difficult to accept different views
20. Some do remember teachers occasionally, but everyone remembers Fr. McGrath.
21. Traveling to Jamshedpur remains inefficient, but XLRI is expanding to other cities.

As 2022 approaches, and hoping the pandemic recedes, there's definitely a possibility that we will all meet. However, we have found a common cause in memory of Fr. McGrath where the batch is organising a B school debate competition on certain topics e.g. it could be sustainability this year.

Here's wishing everyone their own share of pleasant memories as 2021 comes to an end. Au Revoir and keep smiling

Addendum in May 2024: We did a reunion in Goa in Feb 2024 and added a few more memories.