The School of Management Studies (SMS), University of Hyderabad (UoH), welcomed back its illustrious alumni on February 8, 2025, for an Alumni Meet & Lecture Series at the East Campus. The event drew an impressive turnout of over 100 alumni spanning graduating batches from 2002 to 2024.
This esteemed gathering comprised high-achieving professionals from diverse corporate sectors, holding esteemed positions such as Management Trainees, Directors, and Vice Presidents. Additionally, the event was attended by distinguished academicians, government officials, and successful entrepreneurs, showcasing the school’s far-reaching impact across various fields.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. B. J. Rao, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, in the presence of Prof. G.V.R.K. Acharyulu, Dean, School of Management Studies; Prof. Debashis Acharya, Alumni Chair; and Dr. Pramod K. Mishra, Programme Coordinator. The programme was attended by other faculty members of the School of Management Studies, faculty members of School of Economics, Alumni Cell official, Mr. Sai Jawahar and the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ashish J. Thomas.
Notable attendees included Prof. Arif Waqif, the founder Dean of the School, and Prof. S. Mallikarjuna Rao, a former faculty member. Post-inauguration, an interactive session allowed faculty and alumni to share experiences and acknowledge the school’s impact on their personal and professional lives.
A felicitation ceremony honoured Prof. Arif Waqif and Prof. S. Mallikarjuna Rao for their contributions. A panel discussion on “Contemporary Work-Life Balance” featured esteemed alumni moderated by Mr. Janakeswar Rao Vanapalli (MBA – General, 2002-04 Batch) with panellists Ms. Rohini Medepalli (Chowdary) (MBA – General, 2003-05 Batch), Dr. Ramaiah Itumalla (MBA – Healthcare & Hospital Management, 2008-10 Batch), Dr. Rani Sushmita (MBA – Healthcare & Hospital Management, 2008-10 Batch) and Mr. Gaurav K. Wankar (MBA – Business Analytics, 2017-19 Batch).
Games and activities, conducted by Mr. Durgam Sathyanarayana, provided a light-hearted break for attendees. The valedictory session saw each alumnus receive a memento from the Dean and faculty members. The event concluded with high-tea and networking.
The memorable reunion served as a testament to the enduring connections between the School of Management Studies and its esteemed alumni, strengthening a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and collective pride.
