Nostalgic Acronyms at XLRI These were a few of our favourite ….

(Steve Correa and Ronald D’Souza )

In the dusty yet charming corridors of XLRI, acronyms weren’t just shorthand; they were stories, memories, and a culture of their own, shaped over late-night discussions, mischief, and camaraderie. It was in 1985, a simpler time when the joys of friendship and learning were untainted by modern distractions. These acronyms became the ‘new culture’ that helped us navigate campus. They were ‘sniper shots’ to land precisely with meaning — pithy and pregnant with meaning.

Let’s introduce you to some of the lingo.

SGF — Stinking Gold Fish — was both a mystery and a legend. Hidden away in one corner of the campus pond, this poor goldfish was the subject of many late-night jokes and conversations. “SGF” wasn’t just about the literal fish; it became a metaphor for things that seemed glamorous initially but had deeper layers of reality underneath. The SGF became a mascot for life at XLRI: not always pretty on the surface, but rich with stories once you dove in.

XLRI, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute, was more than a prestigious name. It was home, a sanctuary where young minds were moulded into ‘XLers’.

XLers were more than students — they were a family, a tribe of dreamers and doers. You carried the badge of an XLer with pride, knowing that it marked you as part of an enduring tradition of excellence, deep thought, and laughter that echoed long after you left campus.

Then, there was our favourite, JLT — Just Like That — a phrase used to explain the inexplicable, to excuse the unexplainable. Whether it was skipping a class or planning an impromptu road trip, the reason was often dismissed with a casual “JLT.” It was a reminder that not everything in life needed a profound justification; sometimes, things just happened.

Bodhi Tree stood tall as a silent observer of wisdom-seekers. Under its shade, serious discussions about life and philosophy often became hilarious banter or reflective silence. It was the place where ideas were exchanged and, sometimes, even

ACP — After — Class Participation — would take place. These moments were the true essence of learning: raw, unfiltered, and out of the syllabus. Intellectual barriers were broken down during ACP sessions, and bonds were formed. Most ACPs were revered except for the post-class discussion with Profs, which was frowned upon.

Then, there was the Audi — short for Auditorium, not the luxury car brand — where every significant moment unfolded. Whether it was an intense debate, a cultural fest, or a screening of a classic film, the Audi was where XLers congregated, their cheers and laughter filling the air.

SCP — Senseless Class Participation — was a rite of passage. Professors called it a test of intellectual endurance, but everyone knew that SCP was about making it through without much to say. Yet, for all its frivolity, SCP sessions shaped you, teaching you to think on your feet and navigate tough crowds.

In contrast, OMAXI, the Old Monks Association of Xaviers Institute, represented a more laid-back tradition. Here, alumni and seniors would gather, bonding over tales of yore and, of course, the occasional Old Monk rum. The spirit of OMAXI was one of friendship and nostalgia, a reminder that no matter how far XLers went, they would always find their way back to each other.

The CHIEF was the de facto leader of OMAXI with every batch having one and every senior nominating a junior to take over after a strenuous selection process and elimination over the course of the year.

MAXI — Marketing Association of Xaviers Institute — was the pride of every marketing enthusiast. It wasn’t just an organisation; it was a passion. MAXI was where creativity met strategy, where every campaign or idea was born from the energy and camaraderie of students who were eager to leave their mark. It could have been also Malayalees association of XLRI but the marketing guys claimed the acronym first

The Tamilians were quickly identified as “TAXI” and since the brand ID was available it got immediately assigned to the group.

Then, there was “Macha,” a word with infinite meanings and uses. It could mean a friend, a colleague, or simply an exclamation. “Macha” became the glue that held people together. No conversation was complete without a “Macha,” and every bond was strengthened with its many meanings.

There was group of 9 who went around calling themselves “SYNDICATE” who provided protection to their own members. The members still keep in touch and are looking for their first contract.

The “Alley Cats” were a group of nocturnal students who lived in a closed corridor resembling an alley which also had a dead end. Their spirits were always high when the sun set. There were also some “Alley Rats” but they remained incognito.

As part of the initiation into XLRI we were expected to visit WALDYS ( Waldorf Astoria shortened for Jamshedpur in a small village, where the most notable delicacy was Anda double (egg coated with gram flour and deep fried)

Finally, WAPITY — What a Pain in the Y/Ear — captured the essence of those tough moments when deadlines loomed and pressure mounted. But as tough as it was, it was also a badge of honour. WAPITY became a rallying cry, a shared struggle that made every success sweeter. WAPITY night at Audi was also for the non-singers to rent forth.

The acronyms weren’t just letters; they were stories in themselves. They held the essence of those two unforgettable years, where the highs and lows, the wisdom and the laughter, all became part of the journey of becoming an XLer.

Years pass, times change, fortune and misfortune may befall us all, but the acronyms of yesteryears, when heard, always bring a smile to one’s lips. They carry the nostalgia of simpler days, days when the future felt distant, and we believed anything was possible. Those were the days, my friend — our golden days that live on in memory, forever cherished.

Steve Correa is an Executive Coach and Author of The Indian Boss at Work, Thinking Global, Acting Indian 
Ronald D’Souza has Corporate and Consulting Experience and mentors new startups.

This article was published on Medium on Oct 29, 2024. https://medium.com/@stevecorrea.com/nostalgic-acronyms-at-xlri-these-were-a-few-of-our-favourite-630eedb246ac