Alum Ritu David knows that a well-connected, international community is an invaluable source of strength in times of change or hardship.
“When I relocated to Mumbai just before the onset of the pandemic, it was heartening to instantly find a supportive community that upholds the values and ethos of our cherished university days,” said Ritu.
Following the same sentiment, key staff members from the University of Melbourne travelled to India to strengthen ties with the Indian alumni community in September 2023.
University delegates could meet with our alumni community and thank volunteers and supporters for their contributions face-to-face.
Mallika Bajaj, who graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts, has been a longtime supporter of the University from India.
As a member of the University’s Alumni Council, Mallika has tirelessly supported student recruitment activities and acted as an advocate for the University amongst the community.
Senior Advancement staff enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Mallika in person in Delhi and thank her for her outstanding and sustained contributions.
The University delegates visited four cities throughout India – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai –to connect with Indian alumni dispersed throughout the country.
University representatives included Vice President (Advancement, Communications and Marketing) Nick Blinco, Senior Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Brigette Sancho, Provost Professor Nicola Phillips at the Mumbai event, and many more senior leaders and academics from across the University’s faculties.
The tour was also an opportunity to celebrate the launch of the University of Melbourne India Alumni Network and our inaugural Melbourne Global Alumni Ambassadors Program; established in June 2023 to grow strong alumni communities throughout India.
The 11 alumni ambassadors elected to the program will take a leading role in engaging their local communities – and each attended their local event to share how the alumni community enriches their life personally and professionally.
Tackling world challenges
At the Delhi event on Saturday, 23 September, alumni and guests attended the reception held at the Shangri-La hotel.
Attendees heard from several key speakers on the night, including Vice President Nick Blinco, who updated alumni on the University’s key initiatives and outlined the importance of its relationship with India.
Nick announced the upcoming opening of the University of Melbourne Global Centre in 2024 – the University’s ‘place’ in India.
“The Global Centre will be a place for us to share our full range of educational courses, research, and our corporate social responsibility engagement programs.”
Vice President Nick Blinco and Senior Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Brigette Sancho with a group of the India Melbourne Global Alumni Ambassadors
He also spoke to the importance of the University’s work with its Indian collaborators in tackling complex challenges around the world.
“Together with our partners, the University is continuing to lead on solutions to address the sustainability, climate, energy, and biodiversity crises,” he said.
One highlighted project is a collaboration between the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and several Indian universities in sustainable water management.
“Associate Professor Meenakshi Arora – together with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, the Public Health Department, and the support of the University’s Australia India Institute – is developing a framework and roadmap for low-cost water treatment methods for safe drinking water in West Bengal.”
Nick then spoke to the University’s renewed efforts to support talented students facing disadvantage and gave an update on the transformed Student Precinct before leaving attendees with a final message.
“The University truly values the contribution of our alumni community here in India, not only through your engagement with events like today, but also through sharing your expertise and insights, and volunteering your time to support our students.”
Nurturing communities
On Sunday, 24 September, the delegation visited Mumbai to hold a reception at the Taj Lands End hotel.
Lead of the India Alumni Network and Lead Global Alumni Ambassador for Mumbai, Ritu David, said attending the alumni reception in Mumbai was a “deeply touching” experience.
“Hearing the triumphant tales of fellow alumni and understanding their impactful contributions across diverse sectors was truly motivational, and reuniting with old classmates and reminiscing about our days in Melbourne added a nostalgic charm,” said Ritu.
Ritu David (right) speaking with Head of Post, Consulate-General in Mumbai Majell Hind.
The Faculty of Business and Economics alum was also gratified by the attendance of many University staff members.
“Their presence was a testament to the growing strategic and trade ties between India and Australia and emphasised the pivotal role that the University of Melbourne and education play in strengthening this bond.”
Volunteering isn’t new for Ritu – she is also a member of the Faculty of Business and Economics Alumni Council.
Speaking of her new role as Lead Ambassador, Ritu shared why volunteering her time to the new program resonated with her.
“I've always been passionate about nurturing communities where the collective strength is greater than individual capabilities; I am an enthusiastic supporter of unity and collaboration,” shared Ritu.
What’s more, volunteering provides an opportunity to enact what Ritu is most passionate about – serving and giving back to her community.
“My motivation to volunteer stems from a profound sense of gratitude – both for Melbourne, as a city and university, and Australia at large have enriched my life immeasurably.”
Building networks
Lead Global Alumni Ambassador in Bengaluru, Pooja Davda had an unexpected experience at the Bengaluru reception, held on 26 September.
“I got to reconnect with some of my classmates which was surprising, because if it wasn’t for this event, I wouldn’t have known that they live in Bengaluru.”
As to why Pooja decided to join the Global Alumni Ambassadors Program, she said fostering the alumni community is something she is passionate about.
“Connecting with the alumni community offers a chance to network, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the community,” said Pooja.
“As an entrepreneur, I would naturally turn to my fellow university graduates to build a network given the shared experiences.”
At the intimate alumni dinner held in Chennai on 29 September, Brigette Sancho introduced the Global Alumni Ambassadors Program and expanded on its purpose.
Senior Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Brigette Sancho addressing attendees at the Chennai event.
“The Ambassadors are the torchbearers of our institution’s legacy and will be powerful advocates of the University and also for alumni in the regions they represent,” said Brigette.
“Ambassadors will organise local events to bring alumni together, provide support to recent graduates returning home and act as champions for the University of Melbourne – supporting engagement with prospective students and connecting with partner institutions.”
The Global Alumni Ambassadors will play a key role in a range of activities to support student recruitment, from participating in panel discussions to holding exhibition stands and beyond.
Expanding horizons
The Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru events also provided an opportunity to engage in a virtual reality experience where alumni could re-live their university days by walking through campus grounds.
But as a long-time volunteer at the University, Ritu said alumni events aren’t just a trip down memory lane, but also an opportunity to shape the future.
“Amidst the hustle of life, responsibilities, and obligations, we sometimes overlook the enrichment that fresh experiences and new acquaintances bring to our lives,” shared Ritu.
“To anyone contemplating reconnecting with their alumni community, I'd say, dive in wholeheartedly.”
Learn more about how you can stay connected and get involved with your alumni community.
No matter where in India you are based, join our exclusive India Alumni Network LinkedIn Group today.