Lucknow: Campus of the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow came alive with pride, nostalgia and celebration on its 40th convocation. The sight on the grounds was a blend of tradition and aspiration—students in elegant sarees and crisp formal attire of white shirts and black trousers with the signature IIM mufflers draped across their shoulders, marking culmination of an intense academic journey.Students assembled for the much-anticipated faculty photograph, a ritual symbolising years of dedication, mentorship and growth as faculty members posed alongside their students. The academic procession was grand, with passouts draped in ceremonial robes. As the ceremony began, students walked in measured steps. While some struggled to hold back tears, others beamed with pride, aware of the milestone they were crossing as parents watched with moist eyes, their applause echoing the sentiment. There were cheers, whistles and celebratory calls, as even the most composed professors acknowledged the moment. “When I first stepped on the campus, I was not sure of where I stood or where I was headed. Today, I leave with a sense of clarity and confidence—a journey that transformed me personally and professionally,” said Shruti.After the formal ceremony, students clicked selfies with friends and family of the picture-perfect moments with their degrees in hand. Laughter blended with nostalgia as groups gathered for candid photographs. Aditya Shekhar said the programme tested their limits but also built resilience and lifelong friendships, highlighting depth of the experience. Sneha Gupta said seeing her parents’ happiness made every struggle worthwhile, noting that the achievement was as much theirs as her own. “These two years feel like an entire lifetime packed into a short span—full of challenges, constant learning and moments that pushed us to grow. Every experience, whether success or failure, shaped who we are today,” said Rohan Mehta, an MBA graduate.
