As part of welcoming orientation schedule for freshers, Safarnama – Alumni Conclave 2026, provided incoming MBA students a welcoming platform to meet and interact with distinguished alumni for candid conversations on academics, leadership, placements, and life beyond the classroom. The event was hosted by the Alumni Relations Committee (ARC) at IIM Kashipur on July 20.
Safarnama 2026 reinforced ARC’s broader vision of strengthening the alumni-student bond, encouraging the incoming batch to approach their MBA journey with curiosity, confidence, and authenticity. Prof. Utkarsh described alumni as the institute’s “brand ambassadors” and thanked them for returning to campus on a Sunday to guide the incoming batch, reminding students that they too would carry the institute’s legacy forward in two years.
Four alumni panelists shared perspectives drawn from their own MBA journeys and careers since.
Beyond professional guidance, the alumni also shared lighter reflections on campus life — late-night conversations at Nescafé, spontaneous trips to Nainital, hostel memories, and stories of spotting leopards around campus — encouraging students to embrace these experiences as some of the MBA’s most valuable takeaways.
Neeraj Tulsani, Project Management, HSBC, and former Student Council President, said, “I went from doing a virtual MBA during the COVID batch to becoming a student leader, and if there’s one thing I’d want this batch to take away, it’s to understand your own priorities — every student’s journey is different. Leadership, to me, has always come down to stakeholder management, humility, and compassion. And when it comes to placement anxiety, I’d remind everyone that getting into IIM Kashipur is itself proof of your potential. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, lean on your friends, your seniors, your hobbies, your sport — whatever grounds you.”
Naghma, Data Scientist, NatWest, and former member of the TITAN – The IT Analytics Club, said, “I came in as a non-engineering student and eventually landed a role at NatWest through a national case competition, so I know what it feels like to doubt whether you belong. My advice is simple: never compare yourself with others, and don’t do things because of FOMO. Focus on originality, do your research, and look for differentiated solutions instead of generic answers. Find your niche, and do things because you love them, not just for CV points.”
Akshay Tandon, Category Manager, Porter UAE, and former General Secretary, said, “I dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome during my time as a student leader, and I think most people do. Networking, to me, isn’t sending LinkedIn requests — it’s building relationships with people who will still be there five or ten years later. Balancing responsibilities comes down to thoughtful prioritization. If I had to leave this batch with one line, it would be: take it one step at a time.”
