Bringing Alma Mater closer: Alumni Cell in Colleges in Odisha under Mo College Initiative

Bhubaneswar: The Alumni Cell, a voluntary student body operating under the umbrella of the ‘Mo College Abhijan Parichalana Sangathan,’ serves as the primary liaison between alumni and the institute. Its mission is to bridge the gap between the institution and it’s esteemed alumni community, providing a range of services to facilitate communication among alumni, keep them informed about campus events, and nurture stronger ties between the alumni and their alma mater. The Alumni Cell actively engages in organizing Alumni Meets, Regional Student Alumni Meets, and regular guest lectures by distinguished alumni, fostering connections within the alumni community.

Comprising 10 members, including five volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and five from the Red Cross, the Alumni Cell ensures the timely execution of alumni meets. These volunteers collaborate with ‘Mo College’ Coordinators to conduct various alumni events, contributing to the overall strengthening of the alumni network. Presently, several ‘Alumni Cells’ have been established in different colleges across the state, including Rajdhani College, Khordha; Maharishi Women’s Degree College, Khordha; Kamala Nehru Degree College, Khordha; Deba Ray Degree College, Khordha; Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore; Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Cuttack; Govt. Women’s Degree College, Sundargarh; Balangi Degree Mahavidyalaya, Sunahat, Balasore; Atal Bihari Degree College, Basudevpur, Bhadrak; Laxmikant Degree College, Bangriposi, Mayurbhanj; Khunta Degree Mahavidyalaya, Khunta, Mayurbhanj; and Patitapaban Degree Mahavidyalaya, Sainkul, Keonjhar.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Odisha Government, has garnered praise from Pankaj Biswal, the President of the Alumni Association at Balangi Degree Mahavidyalaya. He emphasizes that the Alumni Cell fosters improved collaboration among faculties, organizations, and the alumni network, contributing significantly to the institution’s overall development. Another member, Shri Subash Swain, views ‘Mo College’ as an innovative step, akin to the successful ‘Mo School’ initiative.

During a recent Alumni Cell meeting at Atal Bihari College in Bhadrak, attended by over 30 members and 20 staff, the sentiment echoed was that drawing inspiration from the past can guide future endeavors. Participants anticipate the creation of more ‘Alumni Cells’ in various colleges with a shared goal of organizing diverse social activities like blood donation camps, plantation drives, webinars/seminars, and inter-college sports competitions under the auspices of ‘Mo College.’ This collaborative effort has the potential to revolutionize connections between alumni and their alma maters.