Bengaluru, Feb 17: Sona College of Technology, a leading engineering institution in Salem, officially launched its Bengaluru Alumni Chapter, marking a strategic step towards strengthening industry–academia engagement and contributing to the rapidly expanding engineering, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
The chapter was inaugurated by Mrs. Uma Reddy, President of FKCCI, along with Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice-Chairman of Sona Group of Institutions.
The event was graced by distinguished industry leaders, including:
· Mr. Augustus Azariah, Regional Director, Kyndryl
· Mr. Rashmikant Joshi, Former Managing Director, Festo India Pvt Ltd
· Ms. Fatema Hunaid, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat
They were joined by alumni, academic leaders, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and members of the Sona community.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Uma Reddy said:
“Industry and academia must work hand in hand, and alumni form the most natural bridge between the two. Their professional experience and insights play a vital role in making education more relevant, practical, and aligned with the evolving needs of industry.”
Over the years, Sona College of Technology has produced thousands of engineers who are now contributing to leading multinational corporations, technology firms, and Global Capability Centers in India and abroad. The launch of the Bengaluru Alumni Chapter provides a formal platform to bring together alumni, strengthen institutional ties, and foster mentorship, knowledge exchange, and closer industry collaboration.
Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice-Chairman of Sona Group of Institutions, stated:
“The purpose of building a strong alumni network is to create meaningful connections that go beyond nostalgia. When alumni return to share their experiences, mentor students, and collaborate with the institution, it creates real opportunities and strengthens the entire ecosystem.”
The Sona Valliappa Group recently announced the launch of the Sona Centre for Advanced Learning and Entrepreneurship (SCALE) in Bengaluru a first-of-its-kind integrated campus for finishing school programmes and Global Capability Centers (GCCs). This initiative aims to foster industry collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial development, reinforcing the Group’s long-term commitment to India’s technology and engineering ecosystem.
Strong Participation and Chapter Leadership
A total of 100 alumni participated in the event, many accompanied by their family members and children. The gathering was further enriched by the gracious presence of Heads of Departments and faculty members. Overall participation exceeded 200 attendees, making it a grand and vibrant occasion.
A key highlight of the programme was the formal announcement of the Bengaluru Alumni Chapter Office Bearers in the presence of the CEO & Vice-Chairman, Principal, and Heads of Department of Sona college of Technology. The following members were elected:
· Chairman – Mr. Baskar (2001 – CSE)
· Vice Chairman – Mr. Gopalakrishnan (2003 – IT)
· Secretary – Mr. Ajay (2010 – MBA)
· Joint Secretary – Mr. Rammanohar Lingam (2009 – FT)
· Treasurer – Mr. Murugan Subramaniam (2010 – Mechanical)
The following alumni were selected as Executive Members and honoured during the event in recognition of their professional accomplishments and continued association with the institution:
· Mr. Kamal Palanivel (2011 – MCA)
· Ms. Swathy S (2016 – EEE)
· Mr. Manojkumar (2014 – ECE)
· Mr. Ajay Jorden (2022 – MCT)
· Mr. Akkalash (2022 – Civil)
The event concluded with forward-looking discussions on mentorship programmes, recruitment support, structured industry collaboration, and regular alumni engagement activities in Bengaluru. The successful launch establishes a formal and sustainable framework for alumni participation and institutional growth.