Homecoming 2025-26 for MBAEx Batches 10, 11, 12 and 13 [Class of 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020]

On the twenty-fourth of January, in the year 2026, the hallowed grounds of IIM Calcutta bore witness to a profound convergence of eras. The MBAEx Homecoming served as a grand nexus where the disparate threads of Batches 10, 11, 12, and 13 were intricately rewoven into the vibrant fabric of the Joka legacy. It was an assembly characterized not merely by the passage of time, but by a collective yearning to reconcile storied pasts with an inscrutable future.

The centerpiece of this intellectual pilgrimage was an erudite symposium titled "Rethinking Competitive Advantage in an Age of Copying and AI." This was no mere academic exercise; it was a crucible of reflection and spirited debate that bridged the gap between the venerated faculty and the trailblazing alumni.

The panel comprised a formidable quartet of intellectual luminaries:

• Prof. Anirvan Pant
• Prof. Mritiunjoy Mohanty
• Prof. Debashis Saha
• Prof. Biswatosh Saha

Under the astute moderation of Abhik Choudhury (Batch 12) and Sweety Dutta (Batch 19), the discourse navigated the turbulent waters of modern industry. The interlocutors posited that while Generative AI serves as a catalyst for liberating human intellect from the mundane—thereby fostering a climate of relentless experimentation—it also presents a precarious paradox.

Following the rigorous intellectual engagement, the afternoon dissolved into a series of nostalgic perambulations. Alumni traversed the verdant expanses of the campus, their footsteps echoing through corridors that once housed their nascent ambitions. It was a period of unstructured rekindling—spontaneous audiences with esteemed professors, heartfelt reunions with the dedicated staff, and the spirited resurgence of camaraderie on the sports fields, where physical exertion mirrored the vitality of their shared bond.

As twilight descended, the atmosphere underwent a metamorphosis into a spectacle of unbridled conviviality. With the vibrant energy of Batch 19 augmenting the festivities, the evening unfolded in a symphony of Melodic Resonances, Terpsichorean Delight and Gala Opulence.

The night reached its poetic crescendo around the *bonfire. Amidst the crackle of timber and the dance of amber sparks, the ephemeral nature of the photograph was transcended by the endurance of the spoken word. Long after the shutters had clicked and the lenses were capped, the dialogue persisted—a testament to a community that continues to "Reconnect, Reflect, and Reimagine" the very essence of leadership.