Event Summary Report
The ABS Alumni Meetup 2025, held on 8th November at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, was an inspiring day that brought together alumni, scholars, and industry leaders for networking, learning, and celebration. The event was hosted by Ishan Sinha, with the proceedings anchored by Aravind Nambissan and Gunjan Rajput as the emcees, adding energy and warmth to the entire experience.
The day began at noon with a warm welcome and registration, followed by a lively networking lunch where participants reconnected and exchanged ideas. One memorable moment during lunch was when a group of alumni gathered around a table discussing how their careers had evolved since their scholarship days. What started as a casual chat turned into an impromptu brainstorming session on emerging trends in science and technology. Several attendees even exchanged contacts to explore collaborative projects.
The formal proceedings started at 2:00 PM with opening remarks that set the tone for the day. The organizers spoke about the importance of alumni engagement and lifelong learning, emphasizing how the ABS community continues to shape future leaders.
The first speaker, Saurabh Jhalaria, opened with ‘Playing the Long Game: Compounding in Careers.’ He drew an interesting parallel between careers and investments, explaining how consistent effort and patience lead to exponential growth over time. Saurabh emphasized the importance of leveraging the depth of belief from people who take a bet on you mentors, leaders, and organizations and how that trust can accelerate growth. He also shared a macro perspective on Asia’s economic trajectory, noting that India is following a similar growth path as other nations like China and developing rapidly. His message was clear: focus on building skills steadily, embrace adaptability, and avoid chasing quick wins.
Next, Shilpa Rangaswamy delivered an insightful talk titled ‘A Ringside View of What Makes Great Leaders Great.’ She explored the qualities that define exceptional leadership—empathy, resilience, and adaptability. Through real-world examples, she illustrated how great leaders listen more than they speak, build trust, and create inclusive environments. Shilpa also offered a candid reflection on luck, acknowledging that opportunities like the ABS scholarship often come down to being fortunate, just as many in the room had experienced. Her perspective reminded everyone that leadership is not about titles but about inspiring others while staying humble about the role of chance in success.
The third session by Arijit Sarkar, ‘Exploration & Discovery: Career Paths When the Future is Uncertain,’ resonated deeply with the audience. Arijit’s own journey from working as a management consultant to launching a startup and eventually becoming a CFO served as a powerful backdrop to his message. He spoke about embracing uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat and introduced a simple framework Curiosity, Experimentation, and Reflection to navigate ambiguity. His advice was practical: take calculated risks, explore diverse roles, and don’t fear detours because they often lead to growth.
Finally, Piyush Srivastava, Associate Professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), closed the speaker series with ‘Maps, Detours, and the Places We End Up.’ Piyush brought a unique academic perspective, blending his expertise in theoretical computer science and physics. He spoke passionately about living life as a researcher—investigating things that truly matter rather than accepting ideas simply because an authority figure said so. He referenced foundational questions like P vs NP, explaining how such problems teach us the value of curiosity and rigorous thinking. Drawing parallels between complex systems in physics and decision-making in careers, he urged participants to challenge assumptions, explore
deeply, and embrace intellectual detours. His message was clear: ‘Don’t just follow the map—question why the map exists.’
The day concluded with closing remarks and a preview of upcoming initiatives, followed by High Tea at 5:00 PM, where conversations continued informally. The evening highlight was the 26th Scholarship Award Ceremony, celebrating outstanding scholars and reinforcing ABS’s commitment to excellence, capped off with a grand dinner.
The ABS Alumni Meetup 2025 was more than an event—it was a celebration of shared values, lifelong learning, and the power of community. Participants left with practical strategies for career growth, leadership insights, and renewed connections that will continue to strengthen the ABS network.