Over 6,000 former students of VIT, Vellore and their families got together at their alma mater meet and discussed several issues. Organised by the VIT Alumni Association, one of the highlights was the participation of TT Srinivasa Raghavan, MD, Sundaram Finance, who also handed over awards to the best functioning chapters of VIT Alumni Association, both within India and abroad.
Captain SM Kannan, welcomed the gathering at the inaugural function held at Anna Auditorium. Vice Presidents Sankar Viswanathan, Dr Sekar Viswanathan and GV Selvam were among those who took part on the occasion. On behalf of the VIT Alumni Association, a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh was extended to 20 students belonging to poor families.
Dr G Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of VIT, presided over the function and dedicated the newly designed website of VIT Alumni Association. In his address, Dr Viswanathan said that through one form or another, former students of VIT were extending their contribution to the well being of the society all over the world. He recalled that when VIT was functioning earlier as Vellore Engineering College, the TVS Group had extended a financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh which was a very huge amount.
Former students of VIT were excelling in various walks of life. Noting that Maheswari, IPS, who had recently received the President’s medal for meritorious service, was a former student of VIT, Dr Viswanathan said that he was very happy with this honour. He said everyone had to pledge their commitment towards the welfare and upliftment of India. He said that if quality higher education was imparted to all young women and men, India would achieve the developed nation status rapidly.
Further, former students of Chennai and Vellore campuses of VIT contributed Rs 1.6 lakh to Universal Higher Education Trust and this was received by Dr. Viswanathan, who is also president of the Trust. The Trust provides financial assistance to several women and men to help them pursue college education. Among others who were present on the occasion included Executive Director Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy, Vice Chancellor Dr. Anand A.Samuel and Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. S.Narayanan.