September 22, 2015 – Visit to the Alma Mater – SGGSIET, Nanded, Maharashtra, India

Wow, this place has a special affection in my heart. SGGS has played a huge role for me both personally and professionally that is very hard to put a proper “THANK YOU” in words. During my time at SGGS, I never imagined that one subject that I just took a random interest in, would turn out to be so crucial for my career years after.

I tried to control myself from sharing this, but alas. Anyway – a quick story about the “subject” that changed my life – “BIG DATA ANALYTICS USING APACHE HADOOP”. The professor that taught us this subject was Mr. Hemant Ambulgekar. When we were going through this topic, I used to dread this topic and found it bone chilling; but, the moment Mr. Ambulgekar started teaching us it with his utmost passion and enthusiasm, I think, I got the concept what Hadoop was and from that day on, never looked back. Here, my knowledge of Unix OS came so handy – all credit goes to Mr. R. K. Chavan.

HADOOP & UNIX has helped me transform my career from a regular Software Developer to a Data Wizard and I couldn’t be more thankful of SGGS.

Anyway, enough of the “other” stuff. Lemme talk about what was so special about this trip.

So, I had to take this trip to apply for my B.Tech. degree at the RTMNU campus which is located at Vishnupuri, Nanded, a small village, 10 miles from the Nanded Railway station, where my alma mater, SGGS, is located.
The reason I had to apply for my degree in person and not online is because having the undergrad degree was ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS FOR MY MS IN US JOURNEY. So, to leave no stone unturned and to make sure I receive my B.Tech. degree in time before I leave for the US, I had to do this process in person.
For many of my friends who graduated from the reputed institutions such as NITs and IITs, they do not have to do this and their degrees get delivered in a convocation ceremony – all the stuff. Hopefully, SGGS will have in future if they don’t have it already. I am not complaining, just saying that there is always a room for improvement.

So, let’s get started. Too many pictures, I tell ya!

This is me, just woke up from the heavy sleep that I was comfortable enough to take in a moving train. I haven’t had a chance to do the same in the last few years, so it will be an interesting experience to see if I could go through it. (I don’t think so!)

After reaching the Nanded Railway Station, I took an auto rickshaw and headed straight to my alma mater. I was dying to take the first glimpse of the *new* gate that everyone was talking about on the WhatsApp group and I tell ya, I wasn’t disappointed. I was amazed how grand it was and couldn’t get enough of it!

The below picture is the building where I spent three years of my Engineering journey. My department was Computer Science and Engineering, and we shared the building with the E&TC department. It was a LOVE-HATE relationship between the two departments, which I find funny now!

Right across from this building a sprawling tree which got its name due to *alleged couples* that used to spend *quality time* under this tree. The famous name of this tree and the surrounding area is PIYA MILAN CHOUK a.k.a. PMC, which roughly translates to LOVERS MEET POINT in plain English. Unfortunately, I did not get to hang under this tree with my PIYA. I know many of friends did. 😁 But I miss telling my friends to meet me at PMC whenever we used to rush for our project submissions.

After reminiscing around these two spots, it was time to visit the spot/place where I spent most of my college days and it was the college sports ground. On the way, I got to witness so many developments and under-construction buildings which soothes you in a way to see that the institute has come a long way since you left. Again, getting emotional here.

Anyway, just before taking the left turn for the college sports ground, I was greeted by the recently constructed temple of Lord Hanumana. I have always been an atheist; however, I couldn’t help but notice the care that went into constructing this temple and I wonder how many people might have become happy after seeing this.

The most awaited moment for me was in front of my eyes just after crossing the temple. I still remember a little bubble forming in my stomach, as soon as I realized I will witness the SGGS SPORTS ARENA in a matter of seconds. Man, I cannot tell you how happy I was just after taking a look it. I couldn’t believe I was at the same place which helped me develop as a person, and hone in my leadership qualities in so many ways.

I love you, SGGS SPORTS ARENA!

Before, I could scan the entire field, I was pleasantly surprised by the hard working SGGS CRICKET TEAM. They were practicing their morning drills when I made my entrance. This scene felt straight out of the movie. It was so surreal to see them carry on the legacy that me and my fellow teammates left a few years ago.

The player you see with the bat in his hand is the then captain of the SGGS cricket team and a lovely guy. I tried giving them my 2 cents, but most importantly asked them to enjoy the game, make some memories, and have fun!

What followed this was reminiscing the things that were not part of the SGGS fraternity when I left the institute in 2013. This recently built/still-build auditorium building was highly impressive. I am sure it has been further developed after that.

And this was the newly constructed Boys hostel, eclipsing the existing one where many of my batchmates made so many memories. I was fortunate enough to be really good friends with a couple guys, who were kind enough to let me stay with them for a day or two, whenever I felt like and have fun!

Now, it was time to head back to the university campus and carry on with the task that I was there for. So, on my way out to the institute, I was fortunate enough to visit the Institute’s Ganpati Idol – SWAYAMBHU. Again, being an atheist, this didn’t excite me, but was happy to see the legacy being carried smoothly by the fellow SGGS students.

After this, it was time for the lovely gut filling breakfast at the Idli centre, across the street from the SGGS campus. I have had countless meals at this place and have never found any other place matching the tastiness and crispiness of the Idli and Vada that this place makes. Man, my mouth is watering right now just writing about it.

Getting away from these cravings (for now)! After this lovely breakfast, it was time to head to the university campus, where I was greeted with a long line for the application forms. I knew I had to spend an entire day there, but it was nothing for the wonderful rewards that I was going to get in the years to come.

I was happy I made the correct decision of going down to the university campus in person and take care of it so that I will have a relief that my degree will reach me before I leave for the US. It felt like a moment of achievement. I know it is silly, but, I am the kind of person who enjoy small things in life.

Before, I headed to the Nanded Railway Stations, I made sure to meet many of my fellow batchmates, who were around the college area and some of the juniors who were Seniors at the Institute. And, how could I miss the chance to click the last picture before I head away from my lovely alma mater!

Untill we meet again, SGGS. ❤️