“If you don’t update your knowledge, you will be out of race. As a proof, I go through journals everyday. You must enjoy reading, enjoy gathering knowledge. You must read a lot to gain knowledge,” advised Padma Vibhushan Dr M M Sharma. He was speaking during the prestigious and heart-warming global alumni meet ‘KONNECT 24-25’, organised by the Laxminarayan Institute of Technology Alumni Association (LITAA) at its premises. The programme concluded with the much-anticipated ‘Jewel of LIT’ and ‘Youth Icon’ awards ceremony at the LIT University Campus, Amravati Road.

 

This two-day grand celebration brought together alumni from around the world to reconnect, collaborate and celebrate their shared legacy. The event featured the presence of Padma Vibhushan Prof Dr M M Sharma as chief guest and Padmashree Prof Dr G D Yadav, Chairman of the Board of Governors at LIT University, as guest of honour. Newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Patron Dr Atul Vaidya; Loksarang Hardas, CEO of LA’s Totally Awesome Group; Dolly Hardas; Santosh Borgaonkar, Director of Chaitanya Chemical Industries; Madhav Labhe, Chairman of LITAA; Utkarsh Khopkar, Secretary; Dr Sugandha Garway. Distinguished guests also included Shashikant Chaudhary, noted entrepreneur, Dr Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, Bageshri Pande, Sanika Kulkarni and others. Dr G D Yadav talked about strengthening industry-institute connect.

 

He appealed industries to support students pursuing PhD. Dr Atul Vaidya emphasized the symbiotic relationship between LITAA and LIT University and made it clear that LITAA and LITU are one. LITAA Chairman Madhav Labhe outlined the association’ mission to support its alma mater and students while fostering an atmosphere conducive to growth. Loksarang Hardas expressed his continued support for LITAA’s initiatives, urging alumni to give back to their alma mater. “Take good education, work hard, earn well, and contribute to your college,” he said. Dr Sugandha Garway, in her foreword, highlighted the event’s objectives. The event opened with a warm welcome extended by former Chairman Kamal Seetha, Ajay Deshpande, Sachin Palsolkar, Ramesh Tarale, Sunil Mundada, Vinod Kalkondwar, Dr Madhavi Vairagade and Dr Neeraj Khaty. The ‘Jewel of LIT’ awards ceremony, hosted by Dr Madhavi Vairagade, recognized exemplary contributions in various fields: Lifetime Achievement Awards: Prof Dr Kashiram Sonune: For his immense contributions to LITU and post-retirement societal initiatives; Karnakaran Dharam: a pioneer in the Indian petrochemical industry; Yashwant Ghalpure: entrepreneur, writer and advocate of industrial and technological advancements.

 

Jewel of LIT Awards: Entrepreneurship: Rakesh Agrawal, Corporate Leadership: Ashok Jain (Director, Lokmat Media Group); Public Service: Dr Makrand Karkare; Research: Dr Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor, Mumbai University; Corporate Leadership: Parag Chepe. Other awards included: Youth Icon Award: Dr Atul Dwivedi (Chemical Engineering Research), Chairman Appreciation Awards: Mohan Pande (Communication and PR expert), Shrikant Gudhade (Green LIT Project). The event also featured an inspiring audio message from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in which he extended his best wishes for the alumni meet. He assured continued government support for the institution and expressed his vision to introduce new, forward-looking courses to further enhance the university’s academic excellence. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also gave video blessings to the event. The programme was moderated by Mili Juneja and Amitabh Saxena.