With more than a century-old legacy, IIT (BHU) has one of the largest alumni bases all over the globe! Hence, it becomes essential for the Institute to constantly improve the threefold relations: Student Alumni, Institute-Alumni, and Alumni-Alumni.
This is where we, the Student Alumni Interaction Cell (SAIC), step in. It is an Institute body operated by the students of IIT (BHU), Varanasi, under the guidance of the Dean of Resource & Alumni Affairs. We work on the objective: "Connect, Engage, Celebrate."
Since its inception in 2015, SAIC has been continuously growing. The cell has been working for the students, the Alumni, and the Institute. This year, SAIC proudly completes a decade of fostering connections and strengthening the IIT (BHU) community. Over the years, SAIC has led various initiatives to bring the IIT (BHU) fraternity closer. It has created multiple platforms that facilitate students' interaction with Alumni, providing them opportunities to learn, grow and connect.
Alma Communique΄
Alma Communiqué, launched in May 2019, is the Official alumni newsletter of IIT (BHU), Varanasi, aimed at strengthening the bond between alumni and the Institute. SAIC publishes the Alma Communiqué every month, sharing the latest updates from the Institute, including internships, placements, innovations, research, extracurriculars, infrastructure developments, and achievements of faculty and alumni. The newsletter reaches over 3,500 alumni worldwide, fostering active engagement and appreciation among alumni, students, and the Institute.
Alumni Visiting Faculty (AVF)
The Alumni Visiting Faculty Program (AVF), a key element of the #Next100 vision, offers students industry insights and technical expertise from experts in their fields. This program helps students make informed career decisions by gaining a better understanding of industrial intricacies. SAIC facilitates the AVF Program, which involves the Institute running full- credit courses taught by our esteemed alumni, both offline and online.
Alumni Guided Mock Interviews
The Alumni-Guided Mock Interviews initiative plays a key role in assisting students to secure internships and placements at their dream companies. Under this initiative, the alumni generously volunteer their time to conduct personalised mock interviews, facilitate group discussions, and provide feedback on resumes. Students receive one-on-one guidance from industry experts, helping them refine their skills and boost their confidence for actual interviews.
Student-Alumni Mentorship Program
One-on-One Mentorship
The One-on-One Mentorship program is the flagship initiative under SAMP, which provides personalised mentorship to second-year and above students. Through one-on-one guidance from experienced alumni mentors, students gain valuable insights to excel in their chosen careers and build lasting connections.
Ask The Alumni
Ask The Alumni is a mentorship opportunity under the Student-Alumni Mentorship Program, exclusively for first-year students. It features personalised interactive sessions where alumni provide guidance for a successful college experience. Each year, the program sees the participation of numerous esteemed alumni and hundreds of students, equipping them with invaluable insights to navigate their journey at IIT (BHU).
Connect & Learn
Connect and Learn is our city-based student-alumni meetup initiative, which is organised during holidays. Each year, meetups are held across multiple cities, fostering meaningful interactions and knowledge sharing between students and alumni. Last summer, it was held in six cities—Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Jaipur. The initiative continues to thrive through the collaborative efforts of various alumni associations, the dedication of our alumni, and the active participation of our student community.
Beyond The Degree
Beyond the Degree brings students closer to real-world knowledge and skills through the expertise of our esteemed alumni. Under this initiative, the alumni share insights across diverse fields through interactive sessions and workshops held either offline or online. These sessions go beyond textbooks, bridging the gap between academics and practical application. Previous sessions have covered topics like Finance, AI/ML, and Civil Services Examinations, offering students valuable industry perspectives and career insights.
Reunions
Reunions are a heartfelt celebration where alumni from around the world return to reconnect with old friends, relive their golden days, and reminisce about their time in Varanasi. SAIC has been instrumental in organising batch reunions, curating experiences that include department visits, student interactions, and meetings with the Deans and Director. Alumni also get to revisit their favourite spots through campus and hostel tours, share nostalgic meals in the mess, and engage in activities like barbecue dinners and sports matches.
SAIC hosted multiple reunions, such as the Diamond Jubilee Reunion of the batch of 1979, the Golden Jubilee Reunion of the batch of 1974, and the Golden Jubilee Reunion of the batch of 1975. Each reunion is designed to bring alumni closer to their alma mater, making every moment truly special.
