The ‘Connexion-Alumni Meet 2024’, organized by Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) in collaboration with the Alumni Association of XISS (AAXISS), Delhi Chapter, on 27 September 2024, was a landmark event, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and future managers under one roof. The meet was proudly supported by leading sponsors, including Maruti Suzuki, NHPC, VISIT, Last Mile Care, Mentor Cloud, NURA, Zephyr, SDS, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, DWK, and X Monks, whose contributions made the event a grand success.

The gathering was graced by the presence of Dr Joseph Marianus SJ, Director, XISS, and Dr Amar Eron Tigga, Dean Academics, alongside distinguished alumni from various industries and organizations. The current second-year students from Rural Management, Marketing Management and Human Resource Management programmes also had the opportunity to interact and network with these accomplished alumni.

The event’s agenda was meticulously designed to address both contemporary and future business challenges. The first panel discussion, titled ‘Leveraging Data-Driven Decision Making for Growth’, featured an insightful dialogue with industry veterans, including Mr Sujeet Ranjan (Associate Director, Tata Trusts) and Mr Bhaskar Dibiya (Senior Specialist, Air India), with Mr Sanjay Bose (Executive Vice President & Head-HR at ITC’s Hotel Group) serving as the moderator. The session explored how the power of data is revolutionizing business operations across sectors, emphasizing the critical role of data analytics in strategic planning, project execution, and overall organizational growth. The conversation also shed light on how data enables better decision-making, helping organizations streamline their interventions and maximize impact.

The second panel discussion, themed ‘Balancing Work, Well-Being, and Career’, featured a dynamic lineup of speakers: Mr Prakash Jha (IDBI Bank), Mr Praveen Karn (CSR and Sustainability Leader, Spark Minda Group), Mr Ambili Thomas (Energy Healer) and Mr Tanmay Sharma with Mr Uttam Ghosh as the moderator. This discussion addressed one of the most pertinent issues faced by professionals today - the increasing difficulty in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially post-pandemic. The panel explored how technology, while enabling remote work and global connectivity, has also blurred the boundaries between professional and personal time. Thought-provoking discussions revolved around practical solutions for managing well-being while continuing to grow in one’s career.

The event culminated with an Open House session moderated by Mr Sushant Verma, where students eagerly posed questions to the panelists and industry leaders. This interactive segment fostered a deep exchange of ideas, providing students with valuable insights into industry trends and career growth strategies.

The day concluded with a lively gala night, which offered a perfect opportunity for alumni and students to unwind and forge meaningful connections. The evening was filled with excitement, laughter, and networking, allowing both alumni and students to reminisce, share experiences, and create new memories.

Overall, the ‘Connexion-Alumni Meet 2024’ was a resounding success, offering a unique blend of learning, inspiration, and camaraderie, and further strengthening the bond between XISS and its alumni network.