Twenty three years in the last century and an equal number of years in the current one is enough for the most precious of memories to fade away. But not so for us BITSians who have had the opportunity to walk through this gate in a tiny village of Rajasthan then. After having traveled from distant lands from around the country, we could have never imagined then that this gate would keep pulling us back again and again. And charm us everytime with something fresh and new to take back. So what’s the newest from BITS Pilani campus this time? Come let’s enter and check it out.

The journey

After having passed out from the institution in 1983, I have walked through this gate many a times. The first time it was to spend a couple of days with my junior friends the following year. Then while staying in Delhi, once with my better half to get her to feel the magic of BITS Pilani she had heard so much about from me. Also official trips twice to facilitate programs for the then MBA batches.

Then fun trips with batchmates for our 25th & 40th reunions. And twice with one of my closest friend Dipy just to wander around and feel the nostalgia. The last time being two years back after the dreaded Covid days to check out what had changed. But this trip was different in more ways than one.

First, it was three of us soulmates this time and next it was a train trip from Kolkata. The destination Loharu which brought back so many fond memories for us.

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The first feel – Vfast

Now spot the first change

Earlier

Now

What’s coming up?

Vfast again

Many of us have stayed here in the past either on personal visits or batch reunions but when asked what’s the full form of Vfast are often clueless. Well for them it’s ‘Visiting faculty and students hostel’. But we all know that it has got nothing to do with fasting. And when here, even if you wish to you can’t. Because the vegetarian food here is not just awesome, it’s also served with lots of love. So what did we feast on this time? Have a look.

Breakfast

Lunch

Although we had our dinner in Connaught every night, my favorite hot Gulabjamuns would be waiting for me till I was back quite late in the night. And with them would be waiting most Vfast employees before heading home. All my dear friends after so many trips in recent years. After all it’s the people who make a place great. And I just love them like we used to love our mess employees when we studied there.

New Placement Center

A foggy Pilani morning

Sunrise and early morning campus

Our Insti Our Pride

Roaming around campus

Old & New Landmarks

It was sad to hear that the coalmine of our days has shut down and one can no longer visit the museum for sometime as it is under renovation. The Museum Workshop is a new addition and so is the Innovation Hub & Skill Development Centre.

Campus by night

Very close to the staff quarter with these wall paintings we saw this cute doggy playfully running around while coming back after dinner from Connaught.

She is Lucy and her story is that of sadness and happiness. A specially abled one with just three legs, she was one month old in 2014 when someone with his vehicle ran over her near Saraswati temple and never looked back. Her mom Crystal was crying as the little one was lying in a pool of blood when this man with a big heart rescued her and brought her home. He is Dr. Bhavesh Verma, Physical Education & Sports Officer, BITS Pilani who heads all sporting activities in campus. It was such a pleasure meeting this noble man.

Upgraded Sports facilities

Hostel renovations

At this moment Bhagirath Bhawan, VKB Mess and Meera Bhawan are undergoing renovations while all others have sported a new look. Budh Bhawan is now a ladies hostel. While some previously renovated ones had the new wings intact the latest ones are being extended with an additional row of rooms with windows facing the road.

The new look Bhawans

My heart still beats for them

Nagar and his Redi has a very special place in the hearts of BITSians around the world. And for me it is even more special having stayed in VK for 5 years. So everytime I am there the first thing that I do after freshening up in Vfast is rush to meet the two brothers. And his son Pawan as well.

The other man of course is Pappu. And his younger brother Kalu who used to run around to serve our drinks and snacks. The new generations from their family also now welcome us as if they have grown up seeing us and refuse to take money from us like their fathers. But we have found a solution this time with Gpay coming to our rescue despite their objection. And another special man this time Radheshyam. He was the owner of PO Canteen and one who used to supply milk during our time to all messes. Come let’s meet them.

Our Connaught

At Kalu’s restaurant

Our dinner on all three nights we were there was in the company of Kalu for the wonderful food that they dish out. It also provided an opportunity to interact with the new generation of students. Most of them were having their relaxed dinner after their compre exams.

A very special experience

The newest sensation

It was exactly a year back during our BITSAA Global Meet in Jaipur when came the announcement that our very own Rakesh Kapoor of 1975 batch and ex-CEO of Reckitt Benckiser had contributed a whopping $1.2 million to his alma mater BITS Pilani to develop a state-of-the-art Centre of Innovation. All of us BITSians were so proud to hear that.

Come with me to experience the three storey 40,000 sq.ft facility designed by architect Hafeez Contractor which includes innovation labs and co-working spaces. It’s also the home to Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), the business incubator of BITS Pilani. All BITSians who have selflessly contributed to the institute individually, through their own promoted organizations or entire batches also have a home here.

Soulmates loving every moment

The Parting Shot

And what do we take back?

For three of us friends who make it a point to meet at least once a month despite our hectic schedule, it was a rare opportunity to spend three days together in the destination of our hearts. And for those of you who have not had the good fortune of studying here or visit the campus ever, well just four words would perhaps sum up what you have missed. BITS Pilani – It’s Magic.

If you loved this journey to BITS Pilani, PIN it and forward for friends!