PALS (PanIIT Alumni Leadership Series) - Season 5

PALS is an educational initiative undertaken by the IIT Alumni Industry Interaction Center (IITAIIC), Chennai, to benefit the students of Engineering colleges in and around Chennai.

A new season of the PALS Program, PALS 5, was inaugurated by Dr. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director IITM on Saturday, 8th August 2015, at the IC & SR Auditorium at IIT Madras.

PALS- Season 5

Distinguished dignitaries from education and industry including Dr. S.Vaidyasubramaniam, Dean-Planning & Development, Indian Overseas Chair Professor of Management, SASTRA University and Mr. K Shanker, Director- Onshore/Overseas Business, Technip India Ltd participated in the programme. They shared their thoughts on the theme “Engineering Environment”.

Mr. Kalpathi Suresh, the president of the IIT Alumni Industry Interaction Center, welcomed the gathering and Ms. Alamelu, the chairperson presented the activities lined up for PALS 5 and the road ahead. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Suresh said, “the spirit of PALS, the initiative of the Center, is to spread the leadership qualities of IITs amongst various other institutes.”

PALS - A catalyst between Academia and Industry

Mr.Vaidyasubramaniam, focusing on the 3Es (Enrolment, Experience and Engagement) said, “The enrolment, experience and engagement models need a rebrand, restructure and review. The gross non-alignment of legacy thoughts with modern aspirations seems to undo the potential good that is possible if existing systems are disrupted positively. In this age of disruptive innovations, it is imperative that certain radical & non-traditional models are experimented to test its propensity before massive replication.”

PALS- Season 5

Mr. K. Shanker said, "With technology changing at a rapid pace, educational institutions, industry and government need to accept change and work together to build a future wherein our human resources are developed to be innovative and posses an entrepreneurial attitude to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The PALS program acts as a catalyst between academia and industry in this regard".

New initiatives of Season 5 

• T2P lectures: IIT professors will deliver lectures on real life industrial consultancy undertaken by them, by which students can understand the link between the theory studied in classes and its real-world applications.

• TCS: TCS through its “Purpose of Life” initiative will coordinate with PALS to uplift research acumen in select tier 2 and tier 3 colleges which are members of PALS5. 

• CTS : PALS will be able to  recommend a few faculty members of PALS5 Partner Institutes,  to the faculty development program of CTS.

Spreading its reach - Colleges subscribe for PALS 5 services

Some of the colleges that have benefited from the past editions of PALS and have subscribed for PALS 5 services are: Agni College of Technology, VIT Chennai Campus, Hindustan University and KCG College of Engineering, with IIT Madras taking the lead as the parent institute. One of the new entrants into the series is Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering. There are several forward thinking colleges in and around Chennai in the pipeline.

In this season, PALS will also be spreading its reach to engineering colleges in other districts of Tamil Nadu. An Advisory Committee consisting of faculty from IIT Madras, industry leaders and IIT Alumni Industry Interaction Centre management will guide the initiative to reach greater heights in ensuring quality Engineering Education.

Literature, Arts & Sports - Events at the IIT Alumni Center

With a view to enhance interaction and build stronger bonds among its members, the IIT Alumni Center holds various activities throughout the year. The wide range of events provide excitement to book lovers, music enthusiasts, sports fanatics, intellectuals, and every other person who has varying interests.

Impressions: Art club 

At the IIT Alumni Center, we endeavour to shine a light on the country’s contemporary and folk art forms and give artists, a platform to begin their ascent and create a legacy through their works.

Impressions connect artists with art lovers through a series of art shows and workshops conducted by noted artists from various fields.

Bibliothek: Book reading club

An all-encompassing Book Reading Club called Bibliothek is a regular feature at the IIT Alumni Center. Members explore a diverse range of literature from different cultures. Most of the gatherings have the authors of the books present for a reading session and then a friendly exchange of ideas on the same.

WORKSHOPS

One for the music loving soul

Music lovers have also been treated to a range of events from interactive workshops to music appreciation. The Raga Tala Workshop, conducted by Flute Maestro and IIT alumnus, Krishnamurthi Bhaskaran, explored the mathematical foundations of music and how traditional music helps the mind relax. Renowned musician, Madhav Chari has also conducted an interactive workshop on jazz music at the Club in the City.

Flute Maestro Krishnamurthi Bhaskaran

Women only Workshop

The Women Only Workshop (WOW) is a two-hour coaching session held every month at the Club in the City, Abhiramapuram, Chennai. The invitation-only workshop provides women with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about financial planning and implementation, and is conducted by Ms. RenuMaheshwari, an SEBI registered Investment Advisor. Distinguished professionals from various other fields also oversee different sessions.

Renu Maheshwari, SEBI registered investment adviser addressing the gathering

Tai chi, jazz, green home gardens, and more
In 2014, Tai Chi Master Ranga Rao conducted an awareness session on the ancient Chinese practices of Tai Chi and Qigong covering practices for posture, relaxation, breathing, gathering and circulating chi/ vital energy, standing & sitting Qigong meditation, and many more. The session was heavily practice-oriented for the audience to take away and apply in their daily life. Apart from these events, various concerts are also hosted at the IIT Alumni Center. Activities that can enhance one’s mind and body, such as yoga and home gardening, are also conducted now and then.

French Music Band - Nyna Vales performing at Club in the City - IITAC

Open pairs bridge 
A popular activity among club members and non-members alike is the Open Pairs Bridge. Members can bring non-members as their playing partners, and take part in this event. The prize money offered is the highest among any monthly event in India!

Open Pairs Bridge - A popular activity among club members at IITAC

Annual quiz competition 
December brings with it evenings of sharp minds, quick wits, and a great deal of surprises.
Every year, the Center hosts a quiz event during this month, encouraging the members to put their vast expanse of knowledge to the test. Members of the IIT Alumni Center participate in this annual quiz competition. The competitions are conducted by member, N. Ram and cover a variety of topics ranging from movie quotes to lateral thinking.

Team members await their turn during the December Quiz

The enthusiastic participation of members serves to enhance the quality of communication between the alumni, and thereby, facilitates the growth of the Center.

Memberships open!

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