Monday, August 18, 2014

Happenings at the IIT Alumni Center

The mind is a tool that needs constant attention. This train of thought has been the subject of a vast number of debates and writings since the advent of the nineteenth century. Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin once quoted that "a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”

At the IIT Alumni Center, we have our own set of tools to keep minds sharp. From monthly bridge games to interactive workshops, from book readings to art appreciation, there are a host of events that keep the vibrant community buzzing. 


Open Pairs Bridge Tournament

Informally referred to as the ‘mind sport’, the IIT Alumni Center conducts monthly bridge games at the 'Club in the City'. Since its inception, the Open Pairs Bridge Tournament has been one of the club’s widely participated events. The tournament is a regular monthly feature and is part of the official Chennai Bridge Calendar.  

The latest edition was held on the 6th of August, 2014 where Nirmal Kumar Jain and N. Periasamy finished as the top pair. Cash prizes will be distributed to the winners and runners-up in the next edition which will be held on the 3rd of September, 2014 at the 'Club in the City'.

Bibliothek 

Ralph Waldo Emerson once quoted that “some books leave us free and some books make us free.” The IIT Alumni Center’s very own book club, Bibliothek aims to free minds, one page at a time.

In July, Bibliothek members read and discussed Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in memoriam to the late author. Other books that have been discussed at Bibliothek include Ernest Hemingway's award-winning Old Man and the Sea, Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose and Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories.

Recently, Timeri Murari was invited to read from his new novel, The Taliban Cricket Club and interact with members. 




Women only Workshop

It’s a simple equation. Women + Words = Wonders

The Womens only Workshop (WoW) was launched to promote free thinking, self-dependence and several such ideologies among women. The Alumni Center invites corporates to nominate women from their organisations to join the discussion.

The third workshop was held in July and was themed on personal finance. Conducted by Renu Maheshwari, the session recorded the highest attendance for any session. 

WOW - Women Only Workshop, Club in the City

Impressions

Impressions, the art club of the IIT Alumni Center shines a light on the country’s contemporary and folk art through art shows and its signature ‘Arts and Culture’ series where members interact with popular artists. The art club was launched on 2nd October, 2013 with an art show featuring the works of Padmashri Dr. Thota Tharani.

Music Appreciation

The Center also treats its music lovers by inviting renowned musicians for workshops and sparkling conversations. Recently, the Center organized an evening of music appreciation at 'Club in the City' and invited Flute Maestro Bhaskaran, an IIT alumnus.

Members were also treated to a crash course in Jazz appreciation from renowned Indian jazz musician, Madhav Chari.

For club bookings, call us at (044) - 4553-4441 / 4553-4409
To enquire about or apply for membership, click here
Visit us: www.iitalumnicenter.org

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Club in the City, IIT Alumni Center, Chennai

Connect. Engage. Give Back

Among many things, we know him famously as the Emperor who fiddled while Rome burned. But, it wasn't until Australian poet Geoffrey Lehmann translated Nero’s literary works that we found out that Nero was in fact, an Emperor with a vision.

In his poem, The New Academy, Nero quips “Education, not entertainment for the masses is the answer!” Similarly, in Notes for a New Civilization, he inked his vision of a modern society into our minds:

“We swim on lapis lazuli days,
and enjoy melons on a terrace
and hearing poetry and plays
our Pax Romana hangs, the white
plume of Mount Aetna over groves
by day, and a red fire at night.”


At the IIT Alumni Center, we share a vision that is no distant from Nero’s.
The Center seeks to connect alumni and faculty from the various IITs; engage in meaningful interactions; and contribute to education and the industry. ‘Club in the City’ located in Abhiramapuram, Chennai has been an ideal venue to accomplish this.

A place of tranquillity, ‘Club in the City’ hosts an extraordinary array of events – batch get-togethers, private events, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, etc. – and is also a perfect spot to relax with friends and family. Club in the City offers a host of world-class facilities listed below:

Dining
Savour a range of Indian and global delicacies at our stylish indoor restaurant. Feeling outdoorsy? Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee and sink in the serenity of our outdoor café.
Dining, Club in the City, IIT Alumni Center, Chennai
Outdoor dining

Sports and fitness
Sweat it out at our well-equipped gym complete with a range of modern fitness equipments including treadmills, cycles, elliptical trainers and more. ‘Club in the City’ also organizes outdoor games such as cricket and tennis.
Gym, Club in the City, IIT Alumni Center
Library
If you think brains are sexier than brawn, we have a well-stocked library just for you. The library is also the meeting place for Bibliothek, the official book reading club of the IIT Alumni Center. Looking to spar with a friend? You can do it over a game of scrabble or chess.
LibraryClub in the City

Conferencing
Make your office meetings classier with our state-of-the-art conferencing facilities. Our well-lit conference room features an overhead projector, elegant seating and a dynamic sound system. ‘Club in the City’ also offers catering services that make your meetings complete.
 View more pictures of Club in the City here.
Conference, Club in the City, IIT Alumni Center, Chennai

Memberships open!

For club bookings, call us at (044) - 4553-4441 / 4553-4409.
To enquire about or apply for membership, click here.