Milana 2025 - A Successful Alumni Convention in Boston!

Milana 2025 was an unforgettable experience! The alumni of Malnad College of Engineering (MCE), Hassan, Karnataka, a prestigious technical institution, are now spread all over the world and have been making their own contributions in many countries. Among them, the alumni living in America have been organizing a big conference every two years for the last decade, where everyone comes and reminisces about their old friends and college memories! This year's convention billed as "Milana 2025" was held in Boston, USA on October 11, with great enthusiasm.

About three hundred people participated in this conference, including those who passed out from that college in 1975, as well as those who completed their undergraduate courses in Hassan in the last three to four years and are now pursuing graduate programs or working in America!

The organizers began this project about two years ago, and it has been an exciting journey for them! There were moments of uncertainty and many challenges along the way, but their love for MCE, those old memories, and the thought of giving back to current day students as part of the Malnad Alumni Association (MAA) activities inspired them to continue strong.

The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the donors and sponsors. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to the tireless volunteers from New England and beyond who served on various committees. And a special thanks to all those who traveled to the United States from abroad.

In the morning program, retired principal, Dr. Venkatesh C.V. and alumnus and successful entrepreneur, Dr. Harry Moraes officially kicked off the day’s celebrations by lighting the lamp!

The organizers are also grateful to Prof. Neelkantappa, Mahendra, secretary of MAA and the treasurer Lakshmish Chandra, and Kiran Byregowda. It was special that Dr. Harry Moraes announced the good news of donating Rs. 50 lakhs to the project "Alumni Tower" for the benefit of the students of MCE! In addition, donations were collected through a raffle lottery to contribute to the student projects.

The invited keynote address of the conference was delivered by Dr. Shivanand Koteshwar - who is not only an alumnus of the college but also the Head and Managing Director of ASTERA LABS India. He shared the advice that one should continue to achieve regardless of age and talked about his "Belaku" charitable organization and their projects.

Other programs of the day included the business forum, a Bharatanatyam performance by Anupama Mangalavedi, the release of a translated book by Anuradha Chaudipura, and felicitation of achievers and dignitaries of the college. Among those felicitated were the family members of the founding chairman of the institution, late Mr. B. G. Gurappa, i.e., Dr. Achala Jayakar and Rashmi Jagadish, the grand daughters, who received the felicitation on behalf of Mr. Gurappa. Then followed the afternoon buffet that also satisfied everyone just like the delicious breakfast. Soon it was time for fun competitions called MALNAD BRANCH WARS, which reminded the alumni of similar inter-branch competitions held in the college!

In the evening, everyone took part in the group photo sessions, and the evening's gala entertainment began. After certain dance and other entertainment performances by teams from Boston and other areas, Shivaraj and the live band from Berklee College of Music presented a string of memorable film songs! Again, after a sumptuous dinner, everyone said their goodbyes with a heavy heart.

The organizers would like to thank MCE Principal, Dr. Amarendra and former Principal, Dr. Jayantha for their continuous support and encouragement to this conference.

The executive committee of this Milana 2025 was made up of alumni members and residents of Boston for more than two decades - Deepak Sharma, Shantharaj Hanchur, Guru Samaga, Kiran Adkoli and Madhusudhan Akkihebbal. Along with them, the hard work of over 30 volunteers (alumni who live in New England and elsewhere in the U.S.) for many months led to the success of this conference. Thus, through this event in Boston, the importance and impact of Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan was once again made known to the world!!

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