MCA'97 Unplugged & Fun Reconnected

CET MCA'97 – Silver Jubilee Reunion: A Journey of 28 Years 

The Beginning – A New World at CET 

Welcome back, dear friends of the CET MCA'97 batch! Twenty-nine bright minds – 21 boys and 8 girls – all top rankers in the Odisha MCA entrance exam, gathered here a quarter of a century ago. Hailing from different corners of Odisha, we took that significant step of leaving our families behind, arriving at CET, the second-best government engineering college in Odisha, with dreams in our eyes. 

For the boys, Hostel No. 3 became our initial haven, while the girls found their space in the Golden Jubilee Hostel. Those initial days were a unique experience as we, strangers until then, navigated living together. It wasn't always easy, but gradually, within the walls of our respective hostels, we forged bonds so strong that they transformed those spaces into our cherished second homes. Even before our dependable and ever-enthusiastic CR, Dilip, took the lead in our academic and extracurricular adventures, it was the shared experience of building this new hostel family that laid the foundation for our unforgettable journey together. Welcome to our reunion!

Friendship, Fun, and Firsts 

Our initial interactions with seniors, while a customary part of joining college, quickly evolved from tentative moments into genuine camaraderie, forging the foundation for lifelong friendships amidst the fun. Many of us, initially hesitant to participate in the ice-breaking activities, soon found ourselves fearlessly embracing every experience. 

Priyabrata, our PB, played a pivotal role, filling those early days with laughter through his hilarious antics, often leading us to voluntarily and joyfully accept playful 'punishments' alongside him. Dilu's surprisingly emotional responses to all sorts of queries often caught our seniors off guard, while Bishnu's captivating singing talent quickly endeared him to them. Our favourite Manoj even leveraged his palmistry skills to charm the seniors, much to our amusement and perhaps to his benefit! Papia's fearless and well-intentioned positive responses often put the seniors on their toes, while Lopa's blatant direct responses entertained the seniors and helped smoothen over any unintended awkwardness faced by our members. 

These unforgettable events, and countless others from our fulfilling early days, are too numerous to fully capture, but let's cherish each one during our get-together. 

The first semester saw us as focused students, dedicated to classes and studies. However, by the second semester, we had wholeheartedly embraced college life, from first-day-first-show movies to trips to Siripur Market and our regular visits to the Golden Jubilee Hostel. Among us, Saumya's effortless charm and undeniable presence at the hostel made him a notable figure.

Milestones and Memories 

Ranjita’s wedding marked our first grand adventure beyond the familiar campus, a joyous journey to Rourkela, where memories were forged that still bring instant smiles. Our third-semester escapade to Puri and Konark further solidified the unbreakable bond we shared.

Beyond these larger events, our daily lives at CET were filled with unique moments. Who can forget Sarada and Biswajit’s dedicated early morning walks, covering an impressive 10-15 kilometers before savouring ginger tea and delicious 'petties' at Bubuna's iconic tea stall? And the remarkable, often hilarious, dialogues exchanged between Sridhar and Ratikanta right outside Room No. 17 still play like vivid scenes in our minds. The thrill of floodlit cricket matches at Hostel No. 3, the collaborative spirit in organizing those events with friends from other hostels, and the triumphant victory that often resulted in a coveted whisky bottle remain some of our most cherished memories. Even the legendary (and thankfully non-injurious) cricket ground showdown between Biswajit and Priyabrata on one side, versus Dillip and Haranaraya on the other, with the ever-observant and silently amused Bishnu as the behind-the-scenes narrator, is an unforgettable tale. 

Our memories are rich and varied, from the hilarious question of whether we can ever bring Rati's joke to life, to Sanjit's unwavering love for dogs beautifully juxtaposed with Laxmi's artistic painting talents. Our initial journey to Puri by train, a cherished first trip unlike our later one, stands out, as do our adventurous excursions to Bhanjanagar, Hadagarh, Devkund, Shimilipal, and the unforgettable Barunei, culminating in our final trip to Deras and Khandagiri. 

We also fondly recall our first official welcome event organized by our seniors at Hotel Ridge. The triumphant cricket match saw Biswajit’s initial aggressive batting in the initial overs, followed by solid innings from Priyabrata, Bishnu, Debasis, and Dillip, allowing us to set a formidable target for the opponent teams by our seniors and juniors, ultimately leading to our surprising victory due to our disciplined bowling by Dillip, Bishnu. Finally, the heartfelt farewell organized by our juniors at Hotel Gouri remains a truly memorable conclusion to our time together.

Our learning journey was enriched by Sarada's extraordinary ability to unravel the complexities of C-pointers, our collective drive to improve through English speaking classes where Sarada excelled by joining the advanced batch while the rest of us progressed in the intermediate level, and the insightful video demonstrations and teacher feedback that shaped our communication skills; alongside Sunil's dedicated pursuit of mastering English vocabulary and Jullip, our beloved brother, whose remarkable general knowledge across any subject often astonished us all.

Our college days were filled with light-hearted mischiefs, the classic excuse of feigned illness to skip Patra Sir's class; we also fondly remember the unique teaching styles of our professors, from Abhimanyu Sir's unforgettable 'foo' and 'foobar', and who could forget Tapaswani Mangaraj Madam's captivating microprocessors? Pati Mam's profound C++ knowledge remains an unforgettable aspect of our college experience, a memory vividly amplified by her unique way of calling out Roll #18 and Roll #19, a sound that still echoes in our ears. 

Rajendra, famously known as Raju, demonstrated outstanding dedication in his preparation for competitive examinations, a commitment that culminated in cracking a prestigious job at NIC. A feat matched only by his unique ability to prepare homemade 'Handia' so potent and delicious it could rival the finest scotch, leaving many of us pleasantly 'fainted' by its strength and flavour.

Jibitesh Sir's system analysis and design class, fondly remembered as the "SAD class," possessed a unique and encouraging atmosphere. Despite the often abstract nature of the subject matter, his engaging way of speaking about system analysis and design ignited the imaginations of the students, prompting many to envision their future roles as analysts. This hopeful outlook persisted even though a deep understanding of the intricacies of the field remained elusive for most, save for the recurring and almost reverential mentions of the author, Dr. Venugopal, whose name became inextricably linked to the course through Jibitesh Sir's frequent references.

Nali (Bobby Pampada), a name that resonates with a unique significance, served as the unlikely yet essential companion during certain classes. For many of the boys, whose interest in the subject matter might have waned, Nali became the primary motivation for attending the classes. The prospect of shared amusement and light-hearted moments drew them to the classroom, and in this pursuit of fun, Nali proved to be the ideal partner in their collegiate camaraderie.

One particularly memorable escapade from our college days might have inadvertently inspired a famous scene in the movie "3 Idiots." Perhaps fueled by a collective weariness of the regular hostel mess fare, a few of the boys, particularly orchestrated by Sunil, Jullip, Bishnu, and Biswajit, daringly decided to crash several wedding parties, arriving uninvited to partake in the celebratory feasts. This bold and adventurous move, executed with a blend of audacity and perhaps a touch of desperation for good food, bears a striking resemblance to a well-known sequence in "3 Idiots," leading us to jokingly believe that the director may have "borrowed" our real-life antics for the film's comedic narrative.

The MCA'97 batch held a notable reputation for their enthusiastic organization of "Bhojis," festive communal meals, often held in the open spaces in and around the CET campus. Among the organizers, Bipin stood out as a culinary force, earning considerable fame as the star chef of that era, having skillfully taken charge of the kitchen for at least five to seven of these memorable events.

Some moments etch themselvesindelibly into the fabric of your college experience, and the evenings spent on the Unit 6 playground, often punctuated by the distant wail of police sirens, undoubtedly qualify as such. Those few hours, filled with camaraderie and shared stories under the open sky, perfectly embodied the sentiment expressed in the phrase, "Jab mil baithenge teen yaar", encapsulating the spirit of those truly unforgettable times.

Furthermore, the stark financial cycle we navigated – the 'kingly' existence of the first five days after our parents' remittances arrived, followed by the resourceful (and sometimes comical) struggle to meet daily needs for the remaining 25 days – those experiences inadvertently taught us invaluable lessons in managing our finances for our future salaries.

Laughter followed some of us like a shadow; Priyabrata and Bishnu’s ever-present smiles were infectious, while Biswajit’s unwavering fearlessness made him our de facto protector, always ready to stand up for our batch against all odds. 

And of course, no recollection of those days is complete without a nod to the legendary Hero-Puch of Debasis – a true icon that many of us probably rode more than Debu himself, that little bike fueling countless joyrides and making our evenings infinitely more exciting.

The Hostel Chronicles 

Our exam time was a whirlwind of shared panics, intense group studies, and memorable night-outs, all defining chapters of our MCA journey. The looming fear of upcoming papers fuelled our creativity, leading to the invention of quick tricks and secret codes – fascinatingly unique connections that helped us recall answers just before entering the exam hall. Adding to the pre-exam atmosphere, the ever-smiling faces of Priyabrata and Swayambikash often belied the academic intensity, making their performance on exam days a delightful surprise for everyone. 

For the boys, there was an unspoken pride in finishing papers swiftly, with emerging from the exam hall within the first 15-20 minutes often seen as a badge of honor. Amidst all this exam-induced activity, Lopamudra stood out as the academic topper, a testament to her exceptional discipline.

Meanwhile, the Golden Jubilee Hostel was the vibrant backdrop for the girls' own world of memories. Lopamudra, Papia, Sunita, Bharathi, Ranjita, Manjushree, Nilima, and Swarnalata created a close-knit community. Sunita, with her endearing personality, was undoubtedly the darling of the group. Their days were filled with long, laughter-filled conversations over lunches in Papia and Ranjita’s room, late-night study sessions fuelled by camaraderie, and endless, unforgettable gossip sessions.

The corridors of our hostel echoed with cherished memories, often filled by Manju's soulful voice as she sang classic Lata Mangeshkar hits like "roz shaam aati thi," creating a poignant atmosphere. Swarna's ever-present, radiant smile was a constant source of joy, capable of brightening even the dullest day. We also fondly recall the quiet yet undeniable connection that blossomed between Nilima and Subesh within those college walls, a relationship that beautifully culminated in marriage. Bharathi's remarkable talent for sketching provided another layer to our shared experience, her artwork consistently earning our admiration. And the vibrant Ganesh puja celebrations stand out vividly, moments where we united in preparation for the rituals, followed by exuberant, all-night dancing to the latest Bollywood beats, forging bonds that have undoubtedly lasted a lifetime.

The teasing incident involving Saumya and Sarada playfully presenting Laxmi with a laddu bought outside, claiming it was part of our Hostel 3 lunch, only to witness Laxmi's bewildered and ultimately comical, baseless argument with the mess manager Balakrushuna upon its absence from his plate, was truly remarkable – the bewildered expressions of both Laxmi and the manager during their nonsensical dispute were a sight to behold

A unique and often amusing incident involved Manjushree's habit of saving the tastiest items in her meal for last, a plan frequently foiled by Lopamudra, who would playfully (or perhaps not so playfully) swipe those very items right off her plate, much to Manjushree's understandable annoyance, especially when the coveted dish was chilli paneer.

The strength of our bond was beautifully evident in the many instances where we all gathered to cherish each other's milestones, whether it was celebrating Bishnu and Sibashis's campus selections, acknowledging Sridhar's internship qualification in Delhi, or the entire student body from all three batches coming together at the railway station to bid farewell to Biswajit as he embarked on his new life in Bangalore.

The Test of Time – The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone 

Just as we were savouring our final semesters, the devastating 1999 Odisha super cyclone struck, shaking our world to its core. During this incredibly tough time, our fellow students Raju, Rati, Dilu, Bipin, Sarada, and Biswajit selflessly stepped forward, venturing into the slum areas near Hostel 3 to rescue many families trapped in damaged homes amidst fallen trees – those were truly terrible and deeply painful days. 

Adding to the support, our female friends provided invaluable help with their delicious rice and dalma, which became a true lifesaver and set us apart in the eyes of our other hostel mates. Despite the overwhelming hardship, the strength of our togetherness shone brightly, helping us endure. We stood resolutely by each other, proving that the friendships forged within the walls of our college are an enduring lifeline.

Stepping into the Real World 

As the fifth semester unfolded, the arrival of companies for campus placements ignited a wave of excitement. Bishnu, Sibashis, Biswajit, and Swayambikash proudly led the way, successfully navigating the selection processes at CTS, Integra Microsystem, and TCS, setting a high standard for the rest of us. Soon, the final semester arrived, and we began our project work, gaining our initial exposure to the professional realm.

Following our graduation in June 2000, our paths diverged geographically, yet our shared foundation propelled us forward. True to our aspirations, each of us secured good placements and have since been disseminating our knowledge and making significant contributions across the globe, from the bustling tech hubs of the USA, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, and Delhi, to the vibrant cities of Paris, Japan, and Australia, and our home in Bhubaneswar. 

Our transformative three years of hostel life equipped us with invaluable lessons, fostering a resilience that has enabled us to stand strong and excel in our respective fields. Interestingly, some of our friends have chosen a different, equally fulfilling path, dedicating themselves to creating a nurturing home and prioritizing the well-being of their children, stepping away from the demands of corporate life. 

Notably, our ever-charming Papia has embarked on a new chapter, embracing a peaceful and devotional life after taking early retirement from her corporate career – a truly inspiring decision that we are sure many of us contemplating similar transitions will look to for guidance. Let's give her three cheers! 

By June 2000, our MCA journey was complete, and whether we ventured to different parts of the world, destiny smiled upon us, guiding each of us to fulfilling the dreams we carried through the gates of CET.

Reunion 2025 – A Celebration of 25 Years 

Today marks a significant milestone – 25 years since our cherished MCA days at CET. It's truly heartwarming to witness the incredible journeys we've all undertaken. Throughout these past two and a half decades, Biswanath has been our steadfast anchor, effortlessly and consistently reuniting the MCA boys group. His unwavering dedication extends to remembering and celebrating each of our milestones, never missing a birthday or anniversary wish. Now, thanks to his relentless efforts and enduring spirit.

Thanks to the entire organising committee, ensuring our reunion in 2025. With immense joy and eager anticipation, we look forward to our Silver Jubilee Reunion on May 10th and 11th in the sacred city of Puri. Let us come together to celebrate our shared journey, exchange stories of our experiences, and deeply cherish the friendships that have so beautifully weathered the passage of time.

See you all soon!

With warm regards,

CET MCA'97 Batch