The Rewind Crew

Bishnu Prasad Rath, affectionately known as Lipu, a charismatic individual hailing from the land of Lord Jagannath, quickly became a beloved figure in the MCA'97 batch from day one. His inherent ability to attract and motivate others made him a friend to all, a natural connector who effortlessly binds the entire batch together, drawing people together seemingly by his very presence. Lipu is a true luminary of MCA'97, characterized by his down-to-earth nature, deep affection for his friends, and a remarkable versatility that spans from skilful cricket and captivating music to impressive cooking and sharp problem-solving abilities – a balanced individual who lives up to his name by navigating any situation and handling crises with remarkable ease. 

He is the first to offer help, a steadfast friend who has always stood by us during challenging times, his perseverance and commitment making him a unique pillar within our circle. With an almost magical ability to create joy and unite people, Lipu is particularly renowned for his singing, his rendition of "Pal Pal Dil ke Paas" being a much-requested and extraordinary treat. 

On the cricket field, his medium-pacer swing bowling and signature sixes over square leg were the stuff of opponents' nightmares. This soft-spoken individual, with his commanding yet gentle voice, possesses an undeniable magnetism that naturally unites people, making him a truly exceptional personality – loved by all and disliked by none. Always leading from the front in any sporting event, picnic, or gathering.

Lipu's talent shone brightly when he became the flag bearer of MCA'97, being the first from our batch selected through campus drive, embarking on his professional journey with Cognizant from Salt Lake City, Kolkata. Like many, he has faced personal challenges but emerged stronger, never allowing disappointment to cloud his demeanour. His career has taken him across the globe, reaching new heights professionally. 

In 2006, he found his love and married Prajna, and in 2009, they were blessed with their son, Anshu, who is now completing his 10th grade and stepping into junior college. Lipu currently resides in Bangalore, continuing his impactful work with Cognizant.

Patel Babu, affectionately known as Bisu, comes from Jharsuguda and, after graduating from Sundargarh College, became a part of the MCA’97 batch. During his college days, Bisu was fondly nicknamed “Rangeela Boy” for his distinctive style and impressive collection of apparel. 

His unwavering love for his friends truly sets him apart; he's always a "yes" for any gathering, picnic, or fun event. A cheerful and genuinely kind person, Bisu is always there for his friends. Long before the digital age, Bisu was our very own human search engine, our true MCA’97 Google, and he remains the steadfast heart of our group. 

More than just a connector, he's the one who consistently keeps our MCA'97 batch in touch, unfailingly sending thoughtful birthday and anniversary wishes to everyone. Without a doubt, Bisu can be called the "Unifier of MCA'97," the one who has kept this group together for the past 25 years. He also embodies unwavering support, with his ever-smiling and perpetually helpful nature serving as a constant source of inspiration since 1997, always ready to lend a hand when needed.

With his steadfast and cool personality, he has been the enduring glue that has held us together for a quarter of a century. Bisu began his pursuit of an IT career in Mumbai before moving to New Delhi, where he initially stayed with friends in Janak Puri. Following the initial struggles that many faced, Bisu found his path and started working as an SAP consultant. 

In 2006, Bisu married Sagarika, and they were blessed with their daughter Ridhima, who completed her 10th-grade exams this year and is about to start junior college. Bisu is currently working with HCL Technologies in Bangalore, where he is known as the "RFP man," and enjoys a happy life with his family.

Dilu, the 'CR' of MCA'97 and our natural leader, guided us through countless activities with his inherent ability to take charge. Hailing from Charbhatia, Cuttack, and armed with a Math degree from Stewart Science College, Cuttack. Dilu was instrumental in forging our unity during those initial MCA days.

One of his personality trademarks is his ever-smiling face, often accompanied by his famous and reassuring dialogue, "Bhai Sabu bhala ta?" On the cricket field, he was our most dependable player; his seemingly slow-motion running belied a surprisingly fast bowling arm that helped secure victory in many matches against our opponents.

Beyond sports, Dilu was always ready to stand by others, irrespective of the situation or conditions, and his unconditional support for his fellow mates truly set him apart. Interestingly, despite his leadership qualities, he was also a proud backbencher. 

Remarkably, Dilu never seemed to get tense, maintaining a consistently polite nature in all circumstances. He has always been eager to lend a hand to anyone in need. Today, he resides in Kolkata with his wife, Snighda, and their son, Devesh, studying in the 8th Standard.

Laxminarayan, fondly known as LN, a proud native of Berhampur, Odisha, is a cherished member of our MCA'97 batch. He is renowned for his exceptional artistic talent and deep knowledge of painting. His creative spirit and keen eye for detail have always set him apart.

LN embarked on his professional journey in New Delhi, initially dedicating himself to education, where he shared his knowledge and passion with others. He then transitioned into the dynamic realm of software technology, demonstrating his adaptability and intellectual curiosity. He is making significant contributions at Cognizant while enjoying a fulfilling life in Bengaluru with his loving wife, Mandakini, and their adorable son Aditya.

Beyond his successful professional career, LN maintains strong ties to his roots in Berhampur. He actively participates in community initiatives, focusing on local educational programs and promoting technological literacy. His dedication to giving back to his hometown reflects his strong sense of community and his desire to make a positive impact.

Adding to his impressive accomplishments, LN, along with a few close friends, established Akeans a few years ago. He currently serves as its designated CEO, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. This venture highlights his ability to blend his technical expertise with his passion for innovation.

Manoj, hailing from the sacred land of Remuna, Balasore, home to the renowned Khirachora Gopinath temple, graced our MCA'97 batch with his presence. His simplicity, studious nature, and down-to-earth demeanour endeared him to us all. 

During our academic years, he was the go-to person for knowledge sharing, especially during exam time. In his free moments, he explored his passion for palmistry. A devoted admirer of Mata Raseswari Devi's spiritual teachings, he regularly attended her lectures. Manoj was always present for his friends, eager to participate in any activity.

His professional journey began in Delhi, where he completed his final semester project and joined the same organization, launching his IT career. A skilled professional with a keen grasp of technology and various domains, he became a shining star of our batch. Those early days in Delhi, with a group of 7-8 friends seeking their IT start, were particularly memorable. Manoj served as both an inspiration and a guide, always ready to assist those in need. His command of programming languages earned him admiration from colleagues. 

He was the first from our group in Delhi to join Lucent Technologies, marking his entry into the telecom domain in Bangalore. He has since risen through the ranks and currently works with Oracle technologies. Manoj shares a happy life in Bangalore with his wife, Nivedita, and their two children, daughter Rishita in Grade 10 and son Anish in Grade 8.

Nilima Biswal, a vibrant personality from Cuttack, was a force to be reckoned with during our college days. She was known for her friendly and extroverted nature, always ready to engage in conversation and share a laugh. Nilima possessed a commanding spirit, a natural leader who wasn't afraid to express her opinions.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Nilima's story is her marriage to our classmate, Subhesh Senapati. Their relationship blossomed during our time together, creating a lasting bond that continues to this day.

Nilima and Subhesh have built a beautiful family in Bangalore, raising twin daughters and a younger son. Nilima has embraced the role of a homemaker, dedicating herself to creating a loving and supportive environment for her family.

Her friendly and outgoing nature, which we all witnessed during our college years, has undoubtedly served her well in building a strong family life. She has created a warm and welcoming home for her husband and children. It's wonderful to know that Nilima, Subhesh, and their family are thriving in Bangalore.

Papia Kundu is truly a remarkable individual, characterized by a practical approach to life and a deep well of affection for her near and dear ones. Her consistently positive attitude and innovative way of generating ideas are instantly engaging, matched by her naturally adorable demeanour. 

She possesses a wonderful balance of emotional intelligence and sound decision-making. Ever ready to extend a helping hand when needed, Papia also demonstrates a keen sense of discernment, knowing when to step back from a situation. 

Her excellent sense of humor can bring joy to any gathering, yet she remains principled and will speak out when ethical boundaries are crossed. Her affectionate and caring nature has touched many lives. Defying the notion that people invariably change with age, Papia has remained her authentic self, a constant source of warmth even after 25 years. 

For her, family unequivocally holds the highest priority. In a world often driven by endless desires, Papia stands out as one of those rare personalities who genuinely believe in living contentedly with minimal wants. 

Beginning her successful career at Jataayu Software, followed by L&T (LTI & LTTS), which included several overseas assignments in Japan, Korea and locally at Bangalore. Papia made the significant decision after more than two decades to take voluntary retirement, choosing to dedicate her life to spiritual pursuits while treasuring her loving family. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Papia actively engages in social service as a dedicated member of the NGO (SFF). Originally from Rourkela, she spent her formative childhood and student years in Rourkela and currently resides in Bangalore with her mother, her brother (our beloved Bapi from the batch), her sister-in-law Sushree, and her niece Aarchi.

Rajendra Hembram, widely celebrated as Mamu—an endearing moniker bestowed upon him by his friends that has resonated for over two decades—hails from Jashipur, a town nestled near the renowned Shimilipal National Park. Having spent his formative years in a small town within the Mayurbhanj district, he pursued higher education at a prestigious college post-graduation. 

Mamu is characterized by his genuinely down-to-earth nature and exceptionally friendly demeanor, consistently surrounded by and supportive of his friends. Like many, he navigated the challenging early phases after college, spending his initial post-graduation period with friends in Kolkata while preparing for competitive examinations. 

Raju holds many cherished memories from his time in Salt Lake, enjoying quality moments with his companions at Salt Lake Central Park and even providing them with amusement through his distinctive, tiger-like snoring at their Salt Lake apartments, affectionately earning him the nickname "Tiger Mamu". Mamu envisioned numerous plans and aspirations after overcoming his initial hurdles, even contemplating various entrepreneurial ventures. 

Ultimately, his unwavering patience and perseverance bore fruit when he successfully cleared the NIC exam, securing a position as a scientist that allowed him to enjoy life closer to his beloved hometown. Mamu has built a fulfilling career and life at NIC and has now embarked on a new chapter. 

He is married to Jashmi and is the proud father of two children: his son, Kumar Devaraj, who is preparing for his 10th-grade exams, and his daughter, Sweta Jyotshna, who is in the 7th grade.

Ratikant, widely known as Rati, and affectionately called BABA by some, hailed from Karanjia, ThakurMunda in the Mayurbhanj district. He became an integral part of the energetic MCA'97 gang while pursuing his post-graduation at Utkal University. 

Rati possessed a remarkably simple and down-to-earth personality, distinguished by his unique sense of humour that set him apart among his friends. His presence at any gathering was always felt through his distinctive jokes, delivered with an inimitable style. A true friend, Rati loved being in company and enthusiastically participated in all college events. Notably dedicated to his well-being, he practiced Yoga during his college years and maintained this commitment even after graduation. 

A memorable trip to Barunei and Khudha bestowed upon Rati the endearing nickname BABA, which his friends lovingly embraced. Never one to miss out, he was a constant presence at all events and group activities, his friendly nature and contributions making the days at Hostel #3 particularly memorable for everyone. 

Following his MCA, Rati moved to Delhi to prepare for competitive exams. Like many others, he faced initial struggles but persevered, eventually starting his career as an educator before transitioning to the IT industry, joining Hexaware in Chennai. 

In 2007, Rati began a new chapter, marrying Aarthi and becoming a loving father to two daughters, Prajakta and Priyanshi. Tragically, he lost his beloved wife in 2021 and has since admirably embraced the role of both mother and father to his sweet and lovely daughters. 

For the past 15 years, Rati has been with DXC, currently residing in Mumbai and devoted to raising his two daughters.

Sarada, fondly known as Saru, a man whose quiet strength and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on all of us. During our MCA days, Saru poured his heart and soul into everything he did, earning the respect of peers and seniors alike. 

A chemistry graduate from Ravenshaw College, hailing from Cuttack, he now resides in Paris with Maya and their daughters, Inika and Kaira. 

Beyond his dedication, Saru's subtle humour and deep well of emotions, often kept close, made him a truly admirable figure. 

And who can forget those memorable early morning walks with his pal? Saru, you're a true champ!!!

Rooted in Cuttack, the city that also shaped the early years of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Saumya, fondly known as GURUDEV by his friends, made a memorable entry into the MCA'97 batch. Even in those early days, his deep connection to home was evident, marked by his regular evening visits to the STD/PCO booths in Ganga Nagar to connect with his family. 

A jovial individual, Saumya genuinely enjoyed spending time with his friends and was always an enthusiastic participant in college team events. With his tall and handsome presence, he possessed a natural ability to draw people in, often finding various pretexts to visit his friends around the popular Golden Jubilee hostel, a place his determination always led him to for those valued conversations. Saumya was a dynamic personality whose inherent charm and acquired skills readily attracted others, and he was never hesitant to express his feelings for his friends. 

His soft-spoken nature was often punctuated by endearing childlike traits that made him unique. Saumya's love for music was apparent in his frequent singing, his enthusiasm outweighing his technical skill. On the cricket field, he showcased his off-spin bowling and occasionally surprised with left-handed batting, demonstrating a willingness to try new things, even outside his comfort zone. 

Deeply engaged with the community, Saumya was a keen participant in social events and dedicated his time to supporting underprivileged children, his strong affinity for the grand old party always clear. Despite an opportunity for his final semester project in Noida, his strong ties to Cuttack proved too compelling, leading him to return before eventually completing his project in Hyderabad. 

Following graduation, like many of his batchmates, Saumya navigated initial career challenges, starting with a local firm before embarking on his professional journey with CMC Kolkata. From there, he built a successful career and currently works with IBM India, based in Kolkata. In 2008, he married Gauri, and in 2011, they welcomed their son, Saubhagya, who is now in the 8th grade, their family happily residing in the vibrant City of Joy.

Subhesh Senapati, hailing from Nimapara, a place renowned for its sweet delicacies, was born and raised in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, often called the "Temple City." After completing his graduation with Mathematics Honors from BJB College, he joined the MCA'97 batch while pursuing his post-graduation at Utkal University. 

Though a day scholar throughout his time in MCA, Subhesh consistently made an effort to connect with friends at Hostel #3. He was known for his strong academic focus and consistent performance throughout the program. Subhesh also enjoyed playing cricket and often participated in Hostel #3 cricket matches, trying out his slow-medium bowling and showcasing his batting skills. 

With a particular passion for Mathematics, Subhesh possessed exceptional analytical abilities and a keen interest in core subjects like data structures, operating systems, and artificial intelligence. Beyond his academic pursuits, Subhesh was a well-regarded individual who readily shared his perspectives on various topics and made an effort to join friends in their leisure activities. He completed his final semester project in Bangalore and subsequently began his career in the telecom domain with Ushacomm, initially working from Kolkata before moving to Bangalore, where he has been working with Cisco technologies for many years. Subhesh's proficiency in programming languages was admired by his colleagues for his deep knowledge and skill. 

During his three years of study at CET Bhubaneswar, Subhesh found his love and life partner in Nilima, who was also his batchmate. Their love life was perhaps kept discreet from many friends, revealing another interesting facet of Subhesh as a devoted partner. Subhesh and Nilima are happily married and have three children (two girls and one boy) and currently reside in Bangalore.

Sunil Samal, widely known as Munu and affectionately dubbed "Champion" by his friends, comes from the land of Maa Biraja, joining the MCA'97 batch after graduating from NC College, Jajpur. From the very beginning, his inherent leadership qualities shone through as he took on the role of class representative, leading to many memorable events organized during the first semester. 

Sunil has always been remarkably focused on his goals, diligently working towards their achievement. A keen cricket enthusiast, his long run-up for pace bowling was a captivating sight. He maintained a strong focus on his studies, with a particular dedication to expanding his English vocabulary. Never one to miss a class, Sunil was known for his sincerity in attending lectures and meticulously taking notes throughout his college days. He also cherished spending time with friends and actively participated in all organized events. 

A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Sunil's commitment to physical well-being earned him the fond nickname "Champion." He is also a passionate follower of the European football league, supporting clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. Sunil holds many cherished memories from his time at Hostel #3 and was admired by his friends for his unwavering focus and dedication in everything he pursued. His life journey serves as an inspiration, having demonstrated significant personal growth over the past 28 years, driven by his clear focus and objectives. 

After completing the sixth semester, Sunil moved to Bangalore to begin his IT career, securing a position with TCS and starting his professional path there. During his tenure with TCS, Sunil traveled to numerous countries for client-facing assignments. He also developed a special passion for running, and his dedication to fitness and this newfound interest led him to participate in numerous marathon events across the country, earning him the moniker "Marathon Man" among his friends. 

Sunil continues to pursue this passion with the same enthusiasm, participating in marathon events nationwide. A straightforward individual with a clear focus on his career, Sunil has steadily advanced in the professional world and currently works with Wipro Technologies. He married Pravatini in 2006 and is a proud father of Ishaan, enjoying quality time with his family in Bangalore.

Hailing from Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, Swayambikash, fondly known as Tiny, a bright Physics honours graduate from Basic Science College, seamlessly integrated into the Super 29 of the MCA'97 batch, becoming an endearing presence whose jovial spirit and infectious, signature loud laugh made him a truly unique individual. 

Despite being a local, Tiny's heart often resided in the vibrant atmosphere of Hostel #3 after college hours, and his trusty LUNA motorcycle became a cherished shared resource, frequently assisting friends with their errands. A true character emerged during examination periods, where Tiny's frantic room-to-room quest for notes and adorably tense expression became a familiar sight. 

Beyond academics, Tiny generously hosted numerous lively parties and fun gatherings at his Baramunda home, warmly welcoming many. A devoted friend always ready to lend a hand, Tiny's passions extended to cricket and a forward-thinking pursuit of learning Japanese for his career, a dedication that led to his campus selection by TCS, where he even earned the playful nickname "Borderline" during his Japanese language studies. Commencing his professional journey with TCS in Mumbai, before established himself in the USA for over 21 years. 

Tiny, now settled in Boston with his wife, Sapna, and their children, Anish and Anshika, remains a beloved friend who consistently bridges distances with his energetic and joyful phone calls, a testament to his enduring connections.