Tribute to BMT – Can we come together to harness the power of 1990 batch

Just a few months back, when Naresh connected the entire 1990 batch through a simple process – I realized what I was missing all along. I am sure each one of us has over a period of time has developed big professional network but the eagerness with which I read each and every email posted through Naresh’s Google digest has often surprised me as well.

It is quite clear to me that I relate myself better to the network of our college friends than the professional network that I have since developed. I feel excited to receive emails from each one in our batch, feel content after picking up the phone and talking to them and look forward very eagerly to speak and meet with everyone at the next opportunity. Even banter between Pranav and Sanjay over the email was quite enjoying (sorry no pun intended!)

And then all of a sudden one afternoon read a very cryptic message from Naresh about BMT and then got to know from others that he was no more. It's extremely hard to believe that some one amongst us can die in our 40's, whatever the cause may be apart from accidents. In the hum drum of life we sometimes tend to forget how deep and caring relationship we have all developed amongst each other – whether we were close to each other in Sindri does not matter any more. It was a wake up call for me as well as I never cared to think about life after I am gone; what happens to my dependants. After giving up my job in SAIL, I have been in IT industry which is famous for sucking the blood out of you (of course in the short run they pay you well) and then trash you out when you are no longer useful to them. Whatever may be the reason for BMT’s demise at least I am happy that he died while working for a public sector unit in India which will take care of his immediate family members reasonably well to lead a meaningful and respectful life.

While we are extending our hands to support BMT’s family, some of us also thought about how to harness this network’s strength to the advantage of all the members of this group. I am proposing to create a BITS90 foundation and let that foundation help us in need including the financial need that we are talking to help BMT’s family. Please read some elementary thoughts on the role of foundation and how can it be sustained.

Some of you may not agree with this thought and that’s ok. We can all agree to disagree. However, I am sure all of us agree to do something to create a structure that supports us in time of need. Personally I would like to see that this important step that Naresh has cared to create becomes stronger, has the ability to outlive all of us and keep helping our posterities. This will also be a nice tribute to BMT, in addition to whatever little we all are trying to do for his family.

Why this Foundation
In this digital age, having a strong network is an asset. There are numerous examples where network has been harnessed to achieve some common goals. BITS 90 has the potential to become a strong network of college buddies currently scattered across the globe. Most of BITS90 alumnus is currently into leadership positions across an array of domestic and global companies. It is certain that in the next 15 years many of us will end up leading companies and senior leadership positions

What this Foundation will do
1. Pool incremental resources of its members to provide / create intelligent investment opportunities for long term wealth creation
2. Create group life insurance policies to ensure that in the unfortunate event of demise of any of its members, the policy provide a lum-sum grant of Rs. 50 Lakh (or any other agreed upon amount) to the spouse / immediate dependants of the deceased members
3. Harness the network of its members to bring opportunities to its members and their families in need, especially like BMT's son ongoing education needs.

How this Foundation will survive and grow: I propose a Rs. 500/month to Rs. 1000/month only membership fee that will help the foundation achieve its objective in the long term. I am sure each one of us can contribute this amount for getting great advantage for self and others

Why will this foundation fail : Though this is the last thing in my mind right now it is nonetheless important to recognize the cause of failure. In my opinion the foundation never will see the light of the day or the foundation will fail for two primary reasons:
• if we don’t agree on the objective
• if we don’t believe in the power of group

Hope this idea becomes the nucleus for the remaining thoughts to come together,be debated, coalesc and grow to a vibrant community that even our childrens be proud of.