It was a Friday afternoon sometime in October. Three of us from our batch of 77 were meeting for our afternoon be-together, like we normally do once a month in Dipy’s office and our den in Calcutta. Having been trapped for almost two years except few short trips in the neighborhood, it was me who floated the idea. Guys let’s go to Pilani in December. Nahata had other travel plans, Dipy took a day to decide and soon our plans were finalized. Next the tickets were done, two lawn facing rooms were booked in VFAST and we were all set. To be back to BITS, Pilani yet again. For a three nights pilgrimage to the destination of our hearts.

And for me this time no MBA training engagements but just sheer pleasure. With one of my best buddies.

Back to BITS, Pilani – The Journey

The earliest morning flight to Delhi departed on time, the nap all through was refreshing and when we landed it was a lovely sunny day fresh and cool. The capital city still stays very close to my heart having lived here for a long time.

Stay at VFAST

You can no longer expect to walk in and get a room. The pandemic has changed it all. But it’s not so difficult either for us BITSians. Therefore to book your tickets to heaven, write to Prof. Pankaj Sharma at pankajsharma@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in and book your lawn facing rooms first. And remember to carry copies of these 2 documents-

Double Vaccination Certificate & Negative RT-PCR report (not older than 72 hours)

And then enjoy the hospitality of VFAST mess employees, the sun, the green, the chirping of birds, the awesome food and the peace.

Our First Evening

BITS, Pilani – What hasn’t changed

Our Beautiful Campus & Institute

Museum, Museum Lawns & Galleries

Saraswati Temple

The Lonely Post Box – Pilani 333031

A Walk to Connaught

My Favorite Bhawans

Back to BITS – What has changed?

No Autos inside the Campus

Students Union Office inside the Insti Main Building

The Workshop

Fresh Fruits for you

‘The Grass Is Greener Here’ says his t-shirt. Greener or not am not sure but I bet it was certainly green during our time. He is Kamalu, a rickshaw puller during our days who parked near KB and who now ferries fresh fruits with his son inside the campus. His smile shows his nostalgia.

Nutan

The Student Population Mix

Majority of students seemed to be from North with very few we came across from South. It was just the other way around during our time. That probably could be the reason why there were very few who were found communicating amongst themselves in English. Wonder if Hyderabad & Goa campuses are drawing those students. Not sure though.

2 Years of Campus Life Lost

The Dairy of our times doesn’t exist any more

Some Parting Shots

The Joke of the trip

BITSians are known to be great leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, economists, innovators, authors, teachers, artists, painters, singers, defence leaders and more. Little did I know that some of my seniors had great foresight as well when they nicknamed me Bachcha in my first year. Here it is why.

Dipy had posted quite a few photos on his Facebook page after our trip. Seeing this particular pic one BITSian Amitava Pathak who happens to be in Dipy’s friend list but not mine innocently commented.

Rarely do I get to see some of these moments, in a short trip. Who is the young lad; your son?

I guess an irritated Dipy replied back.

Amitava Pathak no son here. Guy with me is 77 batchmate Subhashish Roy

I am still laughing as I write. Dipy must have had a good laugh as well later. But next time when I meet him, I am going to tell him. Dipsy Boy add a new color to your life.

The Journey Back

Pilani Pedas for family & friends

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A stopover in Gurgaon

On our way back to Delhi we stopped by for a few hours in Gurgaon to meet this special man who had a health scare couple of months back. Well before you start taking wild guesses about his identity, let me clarify right at the beginning. He is not my grandfather but our close buddy and batchmate Lal. Dhabai joined in as well and what a lovely afternoon we had together laughing away to glory.

Many of us keep going back to BITS and some quite frequently. But if there is anyone out there who hasn’t ever visited after passing out or maybe just once, my heart sings out this Beatles song for them. Get back, Get back, Get back to where you once belonged..

If you loved this nostalgic BITS, Pilani journey with us, forward to your friends and PIN it for later!