11-04-2024, 02:03 PM
Class of 1994 Architecture MREC Jaipur: A Silver Jubilee Reunion to Remember
October 24-25, 2024, Ananta Spa & Resort, Jaipur
The Class of 1994 from the Department of Architecture, MREC Jaipur, came together to celebrate a journey spanning 25 years—a Silver Jubilee Reunion, bringing batchmates from across the world to reminisce, reconnect, and create new memories. Held at the Ananta Spa & Resort in Jaipur, the reunion was thoughtfully planned to ensure two days of joy, nostalgia, and reflection on how far we’ve come since our college days.
Day 1 : Rekindling Friendships and Reliving Memories
The first day of our much-anticipated Silver Jubilee reunion began with a wave of excitement and nostalgia as batchmates from around the world gathered in Jaipur. We started assembling at the Grand Uniara Heritage Hotel around 11:00 am, providing a comfortable base for our group while waiting for everyone to arrive. Teena arrived from the US, Vishal from Bhubaneswar, Sashi from Bangkok, and several others from across India. The hotel served as a nostalgic meeting point, allowing each of us to exchange joyful greetings and embrace the lifelong friends we hadn’t seen in years.
En Route to Ananta Spa & Resort
By midday, all 17 of us were gathered and ready to continue our journey. Traveling in 7 cars, we took a scenic drive to Ananta Spa & Resort, making a delightful pit stop at the Pink City Restaurant in Kukas along the Delhi-Jaipur Highway for tea and refreshments. This break gave us an opportunity to savor our first cup of thadi ki chai together, taking us back to the countless tea breaks from our college days.
We reached Ananta Spa & Resort at 1:30 pm. The grand entrance on the first floor, adorned with a welcoming fountain, set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Resort staff greeted us in traditional Indian style, with tilak and mala, marking the beginning of an incredible two days of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating.
Settling In and Reliving College Memories
The warm welcome continued at the reception, where each batchmate was allotted a room. The accommodations paired up friends in rooms to relive the essence of college days, such as Teena and Smita in Room 301, and Tushar and Sheetal in Room 302, among others. In the lobby, we received digital keys from the hotel staff before moving into our rooms, where, surrounded by familiar faces, conversations naturally drifted to shared memories of college life. Amid laughter, we shared stories, discussed our current lives, and enjoyed the e-cart arrival of our luggage.
After freshening up and changing into more relaxed attire, we headed to lunch together at 2:40 pm. Some of us traveled by e-cart while others took a pleasant walk through the scenic resort grounds. During lunch, Ravindra Pratap Singh, owner of the Ravi Surya Group and Ananta Resort, personally introduced himself, adding a touch of warmth to our reunion. Coincidentally, an Elite Miss Rajasthan fashion show was taking place in the banquet hall, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the dining area.
An Afternoon Game and Evening Tea at the Thadi
In the afternoon, the resort manager surprised us with a cricket kit, sparking excitement and bringing out our playful sides. For the first time since our college days, we stepped onto the lawn in front of the resort to play cricket as a team, reconnecting not only with our friends but also with the youthful energy we felt years ago. The camaraderie and teamwork, mixed with a fair share of friendly banter, rekindled old friendships and created new memories.
Following the game, we returned to our rooms to rest briefly before gathering again at 6:00 pm for tea at a thadi near the resort. This simple tea break was intentionally reminiscent of the thadis we frequented during our college years. Sipping our tea under the open sky, we laughed, swapped stories, and reminisced about all the moments we had shared on similar evenings two decades earlier.
Round Table Gupshup Session and Life Journeys
The evening transitioned into a cozy gupshup session at a round table set up by the resort staff in our cottage backyard. Here, we took turns sharing our life journeys—what we had accomplished in both our personal and professional lives over the last 25 years. Starting with Chandan and moving alphabetically to Vishal, each one of us opened up about the path we had walked, the challenges we faced in establishing our careers, and the eventual rewards of persistence. Though our journeys varied, we each found common ground in the shared experiences of struggle and ultimate fulfillment.
As stories unfolded, we realized just how much we had grown while also seeing that some things—like friendship and shared memories—remain timeless. This roundtable gathering was not only heartwarming but also profoundly inspiring, reminding us that despite the miles and years, our bond remains unbreakable.
Wrapping Up the Day
As the evening drew to a close, we realized that day one had given us a perfect blend of nostalgia, warmth, and joy. With hearts full of laughter and minds abuzz with stories, we wrapped up the day and returned to our rooms, excited for the events planned for the following day.
Reflecting on the day, it felt as if the years melted away, and we were back in college once again—friends bound by shared dreams, laughter, and camaraderie. Day one of our Silver Jubilee reunion had set a beautiful tone, and we eagerly anticipated what day two would bring.
For more detail visit...
https://frontdesk.co.in/events-function/...y-reunion/
Day 2 : A Journey of Reflection, Connection, and Celebration
Our second day of the reunion began with a tranquil morning, allowing us to pause and reflect on this special gathering. Rising before dawn, I, along with Shri Krishan, embarked on an early morning visit to the Chandra Prabhu Jain Temple in Kukas. The 16.4 km journey took us around 30 minutes, and we arrived just as the first rays of sunlight touched the temple. After performing abhishek and puja, we returned to the resort with a renewed sense of peace and gratitude for the bonds we had rekindled. Shri Krishan’s companionship on this serene outing was truly appreciated.
Breakfast and a Tribute to Our Bond
By 8:30 am, everyone had gathered for breakfast, dressed in matching T-shirts printed with “Class of 1994 Architecture MREC Jaipur.” A unique design featured three red silhouettes, representing the three women in our class—a thoughtful touch that embodied our unity. Together, we took a quick tour around the resort, checking out the newly added cottage block under construction. This brief walk stirred memories of our architecture days, examining design elements and discussing project details like we did back in college.
A Nostalgic Journey Back to Our Alma Mater
At around 9:00 am, we climbed aboard a traveler bus, embarking on a 38.3 km trip back to our beloved MREC Jaipur campus. The journey felt like our old college tours, complete with music, laughter, and the exchange of stories that reminded us of who we were back then. Despite a quick stop due to Chandan feeling a bit unwell, we soon continued on our way, reaching the Department of Architecture by 10:40 am.
There, our professors and current students awaited us with tulip bouquets, a beautiful gesture that felt like a warm embrace. Interacting with the faculty, we learned how the department had evolved over the years, with a growing student body and a shift in educational approaches. Ar. Ram Niwas Sharma remarked that today’s students rarely opt for core architectural practice. Instead, they are often impatient and skip the essential site visits, relying on pre-filled information. He expressed a desire for us to mentor young architects, which opened up a valuable discussion about guiding the next generation in a way that honors both practical skills and patience.
Revisiting Old Haunts and Sharing Our Knowledge
The day’s agenda continued with a tour of our old classrooms and design studios, where students proudly displayed their latest work. Seeing the sheets and models on display took us back to our days of late-night drafting and model-making. Our visit to the department library was a true highlight, as we spotted our batch’s thesis reports preserved neatly in the cabinet. Grabbing our individual reports, we gathered for a group photo, holding our past work and reminiscing about the late nights, teamwork, and the thrill of presenting those final projects.
On the first floor, we conducted an interactive session with the students, sharing honest insights into the realities of architectural practice. We emphasized that, although architecture might not offer quick financial rewards, the knowledge and returns in this field grow immensely over time. By five or ten years into a career, the fruits of patience, perseverance, and experience far exceed those in many other fields. The students listened attentively, with questions and reflections that bridged the gap between their academic world and the real-life architectural journey ahead of them.
Celebratory Lunch with Faculty, Spouses, and Friends
After a heartfelt farewell to the department, we were treated to tea and snacks before heading to our joint lunch with faculty, local staff, and the spouses of some local batchmates at City Heights Bistro, just 3.3 km from campus. Upon arrival at the banquet hall, the 17 of us stood in a row, holding placards reading, “Class - of - 1994 - 1999 - Department - of - Architecture - MREC - Jaipur - 25 - Year - Batch - Reunion - Let's - Connect - Again.” This simple gesture was a tribute to the unity and pride we felt as alumni of the Department of Architecture.
The luncheon was a memorable one, as we honored each faculty member with a memento and shawl. Starting with HOD Rajeev Shringi Sir, who was welcomed by Ravi Rai, each professor received a personalized greeting from one of us. Kalpna Pandit Ma’am was welcomed by me, Manish Jain, and the sequence continued with each teacher receiving our respect and gratitude. The shared meal afterward was full of laughter and conversation, as we caught up with professors and embraced the spouses and families who joined the event.
Jaipur City Tour and an Evening of Reflection
Following lunch, we set off on a Jaipur city tour, visiting iconic landmarks like Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and Amer Fort. The tour brought back memories of our college excursions, and we spent the afternoon enjoying the sights and recalling the many lessons and experiences we’d shared as students. At around 6:00 pm, we took a tea break at a local thadi near Amer Fort, savoring the familiar flavor of thadi ki chai that had fueled countless study sessions and late-night discussions years ago.
Back at the resort by 6:45 pm, we gathered for some casual gupshup in one of the rooms before preparing for the Ethnic Dress Night party in the backyard of our cottage block. Everyone looked splendid in traditional attire, and the ambiance was a beautiful mix of joy and nostalgia. As we sat around the round table, a lively conversation sparked regarding the idea of sponsoring a thesis scholarship in the name of our batch. The idea brought up passionate opinions, symbolizing our desire to give back to the field that had shaped us all.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The night concluded with a final dinner at the resort, where we shared laughs, hugs, and promises to meet again. Our Silver Jubilee Reunion was not just a celebration of 25 years; it was a reaffirmation of the friendships and memories that make us who we are. As we each made our way back to our respective lives, we knew that the bond between us—the Class of 1994—would remain as resilient and timeless as ever.
For More detail visit..
https://frontdesk.co.in/events-function/...isit-mrec/
October 24-25, 2024, Ananta Spa & Resort, Jaipur
The Class of 1994 from the Department of Architecture, MREC Jaipur, came together to celebrate a journey spanning 25 years—a Silver Jubilee Reunion, bringing batchmates from across the world to reminisce, reconnect, and create new memories. Held at the Ananta Spa & Resort in Jaipur, the reunion was thoughtfully planned to ensure two days of joy, nostalgia, and reflection on how far we’ve come since our college days.
Day 1 : Rekindling Friendships and Reliving Memories
The first day of our much-anticipated Silver Jubilee reunion began with a wave of excitement and nostalgia as batchmates from around the world gathered in Jaipur. We started assembling at the Grand Uniara Heritage Hotel around 11:00 am, providing a comfortable base for our group while waiting for everyone to arrive. Teena arrived from the US, Vishal from Bhubaneswar, Sashi from Bangkok, and several others from across India. The hotel served as a nostalgic meeting point, allowing each of us to exchange joyful greetings and embrace the lifelong friends we hadn’t seen in years.
En Route to Ananta Spa & Resort
By midday, all 17 of us were gathered and ready to continue our journey. Traveling in 7 cars, we took a scenic drive to Ananta Spa & Resort, making a delightful pit stop at the Pink City Restaurant in Kukas along the Delhi-Jaipur Highway for tea and refreshments. This break gave us an opportunity to savor our first cup of thadi ki chai together, taking us back to the countless tea breaks from our college days.
We reached Ananta Spa & Resort at 1:30 pm. The grand entrance on the first floor, adorned with a welcoming fountain, set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Resort staff greeted us in traditional Indian style, with tilak and mala, marking the beginning of an incredible two days of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating.
Settling In and Reliving College Memories
The warm welcome continued at the reception, where each batchmate was allotted a room. The accommodations paired up friends in rooms to relive the essence of college days, such as Teena and Smita in Room 301, and Tushar and Sheetal in Room 302, among others. In the lobby, we received digital keys from the hotel staff before moving into our rooms, where, surrounded by familiar faces, conversations naturally drifted to shared memories of college life. Amid laughter, we shared stories, discussed our current lives, and enjoyed the e-cart arrival of our luggage.
After freshening up and changing into more relaxed attire, we headed to lunch together at 2:40 pm. Some of us traveled by e-cart while others took a pleasant walk through the scenic resort grounds. During lunch, Ravindra Pratap Singh, owner of the Ravi Surya Group and Ananta Resort, personally introduced himself, adding a touch of warmth to our reunion. Coincidentally, an Elite Miss Rajasthan fashion show was taking place in the banquet hall, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the dining area.
An Afternoon Game and Evening Tea at the Thadi
In the afternoon, the resort manager surprised us with a cricket kit, sparking excitement and bringing out our playful sides. For the first time since our college days, we stepped onto the lawn in front of the resort to play cricket as a team, reconnecting not only with our friends but also with the youthful energy we felt years ago. The camaraderie and teamwork, mixed with a fair share of friendly banter, rekindled old friendships and created new memories.
Following the game, we returned to our rooms to rest briefly before gathering again at 6:00 pm for tea at a thadi near the resort. This simple tea break was intentionally reminiscent of the thadis we frequented during our college years. Sipping our tea under the open sky, we laughed, swapped stories, and reminisced about all the moments we had shared on similar evenings two decades earlier.
Round Table Gupshup Session and Life Journeys
The evening transitioned into a cozy gupshup session at a round table set up by the resort staff in our cottage backyard. Here, we took turns sharing our life journeys—what we had accomplished in both our personal and professional lives over the last 25 years. Starting with Chandan and moving alphabetically to Vishal, each one of us opened up about the path we had walked, the challenges we faced in establishing our careers, and the eventual rewards of persistence. Though our journeys varied, we each found common ground in the shared experiences of struggle and ultimate fulfillment.
As stories unfolded, we realized just how much we had grown while also seeing that some things—like friendship and shared memories—remain timeless. This roundtable gathering was not only heartwarming but also profoundly inspiring, reminding us that despite the miles and years, our bond remains unbreakable.
Wrapping Up the Day
As the evening drew to a close, we realized that day one had given us a perfect blend of nostalgia, warmth, and joy. With hearts full of laughter and minds abuzz with stories, we wrapped up the day and returned to our rooms, excited for the events planned for the following day.
Reflecting on the day, it felt as if the years melted away, and we were back in college once again—friends bound by shared dreams, laughter, and camaraderie. Day one of our Silver Jubilee reunion had set a beautiful tone, and we eagerly anticipated what day two would bring.
For more detail visit...
https://frontdesk.co.in/events-function/...y-reunion/
Day 2 : A Journey of Reflection, Connection, and Celebration
Our second day of the reunion began with a tranquil morning, allowing us to pause and reflect on this special gathering. Rising before dawn, I, along with Shri Krishan, embarked on an early morning visit to the Chandra Prabhu Jain Temple in Kukas. The 16.4 km journey took us around 30 minutes, and we arrived just as the first rays of sunlight touched the temple. After performing abhishek and puja, we returned to the resort with a renewed sense of peace and gratitude for the bonds we had rekindled. Shri Krishan’s companionship on this serene outing was truly appreciated.
Breakfast and a Tribute to Our Bond
By 8:30 am, everyone had gathered for breakfast, dressed in matching T-shirts printed with “Class of 1994 Architecture MREC Jaipur.” A unique design featured three red silhouettes, representing the three women in our class—a thoughtful touch that embodied our unity. Together, we took a quick tour around the resort, checking out the newly added cottage block under construction. This brief walk stirred memories of our architecture days, examining design elements and discussing project details like we did back in college.
A Nostalgic Journey Back to Our Alma Mater
At around 9:00 am, we climbed aboard a traveler bus, embarking on a 38.3 km trip back to our beloved MREC Jaipur campus. The journey felt like our old college tours, complete with music, laughter, and the exchange of stories that reminded us of who we were back then. Despite a quick stop due to Chandan feeling a bit unwell, we soon continued on our way, reaching the Department of Architecture by 10:40 am.
There, our professors and current students awaited us with tulip bouquets, a beautiful gesture that felt like a warm embrace. Interacting with the faculty, we learned how the department had evolved over the years, with a growing student body and a shift in educational approaches. Ar. Ram Niwas Sharma remarked that today’s students rarely opt for core architectural practice. Instead, they are often impatient and skip the essential site visits, relying on pre-filled information. He expressed a desire for us to mentor young architects, which opened up a valuable discussion about guiding the next generation in a way that honors both practical skills and patience.
Revisiting Old Haunts and Sharing Our Knowledge
The day’s agenda continued with a tour of our old classrooms and design studios, where students proudly displayed their latest work. Seeing the sheets and models on display took us back to our days of late-night drafting and model-making. Our visit to the department library was a true highlight, as we spotted our batch’s thesis reports preserved neatly in the cabinet. Grabbing our individual reports, we gathered for a group photo, holding our past work and reminiscing about the late nights, teamwork, and the thrill of presenting those final projects.
On the first floor, we conducted an interactive session with the students, sharing honest insights into the realities of architectural practice. We emphasized that, although architecture might not offer quick financial rewards, the knowledge and returns in this field grow immensely over time. By five or ten years into a career, the fruits of patience, perseverance, and experience far exceed those in many other fields. The students listened attentively, with questions and reflections that bridged the gap between their academic world and the real-life architectural journey ahead of them.
Celebratory Lunch with Faculty, Spouses, and Friends
After a heartfelt farewell to the department, we were treated to tea and snacks before heading to our joint lunch with faculty, local staff, and the spouses of some local batchmates at City Heights Bistro, just 3.3 km from campus. Upon arrival at the banquet hall, the 17 of us stood in a row, holding placards reading, “Class - of - 1994 - 1999 - Department - of - Architecture - MREC - Jaipur - 25 - Year - Batch - Reunion - Let's - Connect - Again.” This simple gesture was a tribute to the unity and pride we felt as alumni of the Department of Architecture.
The luncheon was a memorable one, as we honored each faculty member with a memento and shawl. Starting with HOD Rajeev Shringi Sir, who was welcomed by Ravi Rai, each professor received a personalized greeting from one of us. Kalpna Pandit Ma’am was welcomed by me, Manish Jain, and the sequence continued with each teacher receiving our respect and gratitude. The shared meal afterward was full of laughter and conversation, as we caught up with professors and embraced the spouses and families who joined the event.
Jaipur City Tour and an Evening of Reflection
Following lunch, we set off on a Jaipur city tour, visiting iconic landmarks like Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and Amer Fort. The tour brought back memories of our college excursions, and we spent the afternoon enjoying the sights and recalling the many lessons and experiences we’d shared as students. At around 6:00 pm, we took a tea break at a local thadi near Amer Fort, savoring the familiar flavor of thadi ki chai that had fueled countless study sessions and late-night discussions years ago.
Back at the resort by 6:45 pm, we gathered for some casual gupshup in one of the rooms before preparing for the Ethnic Dress Night party in the backyard of our cottage block. Everyone looked splendid in traditional attire, and the ambiance was a beautiful mix of joy and nostalgia. As we sat around the round table, a lively conversation sparked regarding the idea of sponsoring a thesis scholarship in the name of our batch. The idea brought up passionate opinions, symbolizing our desire to give back to the field that had shaped us all.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The night concluded with a final dinner at the resort, where we shared laughs, hugs, and promises to meet again. Our Silver Jubilee Reunion was not just a celebration of 25 years; it was a reaffirmation of the friendships and memories that make us who we are. As we each made our way back to our respective lives, we knew that the bond between us—the Class of 1994—would remain as resilient and timeless as ever.
For More detail visit..
https://frontdesk.co.in/events-function/...isit-mrec/