Mainul Haque Mahi

Last week, I went on a journey that took me back in time, to a place where dreams were nurtured and friendships were forged. It had been four long years since I left my alma mater, but the memories and the sense of belonging still lingered deep within me. Little did I know that this visit would rekindle my passion for the place that had shaped my formative years. As I reflect on my trip, I realize that sometimes, life takes us on unexpected journeys, leading us back to where it all began.

Phot0: Handing over sponsorship for Ignition 2023 On behalf 1st Ignition Committee

The day started early, at 7 AM, when I joined one of my close friends from my class for the drive to our beloved institution. This trip was special not just for the nostalgia it brought but for the transformation in our journey. In the past, a 12-hour trek to Khulna was the norm, but thanks to the mighty Padma Bridge, what was once a nightmare had turned into a swift three-hour ride.

Photo: Antor & I are on the way to Khulna

Upon reaching my alma mater, I couldn’t resist heading straight to the department building that had been my academic haven. There, I was greeted warmly by the faculty, including the current head of the Mechanical Department, Zahir sir. It was heartening to see how the institution had thrived since my departure.

As I reminisced with Zahir sir, another friendly face, Golam Kader sir, made an appearance. He extended a generous invitation to savor the famous Chuijhaal Beef of Bejerdanga, a gastronomic delight that added to the charm of our visit. Along the way to Bejerdanga, we crossed paths with Pantho sir, who insisted we join him at the Cafeteria. What followed were long discussions about career choices and the joys of life, reinforcing the enduring bonds formed during our time at the university.

Photo: Lunch with Golam Kader Sir, Jahir & Antor

Lunch with Golam Kader sir at Bejerdanga was a delightful experience. It was during this meal that the purpose of my visit came to the forefront. But before we delve into that, our journey continued with a friendly gathering at the famous pocket gate. Here, I had the pleasure of meeting some old friends who had since become faculty members: Shohan, Jahir and also met Sazal who’s now working in KUET as well. The reunion was filled with laughter and reminiscing, serving as a reminder of the enduring friendships formed during our academic years.

Photo: Some moment with Old Friends & Juniors

In the midst of all these heartwarming moments, a special highlight awaited me – a Mecha Night souvenir from my juniors. This thoughtful gesture brought a flood of emotions, underscoring the deep connections forged within the walls of our university.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the reason for my visit. During our final year at the university, we initiated the first-ever national mechanical festival, Ignition. This year, the 2K18 batch is organizing Ignition 2023, carrying forward the legacy we started. As alumni and founding members of the inaugural Ignition committee, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to support and encourage the juniors in organizing such vital events. We understand the challenges of securing sponsors for such initiatives, and that’s why 15 of us who were actively involved with Ignition decided to step up and sponsor an entire segment of Ignition 2023.

This sponsorship is not just a financial contribution; it’s a symbol of our belief in the power of innovation, education, and the nurturing environment our alma mater provides. It’s our way of giving back and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the opportunities that shaped us.

In conclusion, my visit to my alma mater was a journey filled with nostalgia, heartwarming reunions, and the reaffirmation of the bonds we forged during our academic years. But it was also a journey of purpose, as we wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to support Ignition 2023, knowing that our actions can inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. Special thanks go out to all my friends who joined hands in making this sponsorship a reality. Together, we are igniting the flame of progress and innovation at our beloved institution, just as it did for us all those years ago.

Photo: The Place Where I spent my 4 years

As I bid farewell to my alma mater once again, the echoes of nostalgia linger, reminding me that some things never truly fade with time!