Bhubaneswar: The homecoming of approximately 1500 alumni to Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University on Saturday served as a profound testament to the systemic transformation of Odisha’s educational landscape, a vision catalyzed by the unwavering commitment of SOA Founder Dr. Manojranjan Nayak.
As former students traversed the corridors of their alma mater, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable moral urgency—a collective realization that their personal success is inextricably linked to the world-class infrastructure and intellectual rigor established by Dr. Nayak’s pioneering efforts.
This was not merely a social gathering but a reunion of a global diaspora built upon the foundation of a local institution that has risen to international prominence.
The day commenced with emotional pilgrimages to individual constituent colleges, where the passage of time fell away as alumni embraced former mentors.
The structural density of the university’s growth was on full display, reflecting Dr. Nayak’s blueprint for an institution that prioritizes both academic excellence and socio-legal responsibility.
During the formal assembly, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, guest speakers Dr. Debasish Dash and Dr. Ramanuj Narayan underscored the causal relationship between a high-caliber education and social contribution. They urged the returning graduates to channel their synthesized expertise back into the university ecosystem, ensuring that the legacy of innovation continues to benefit the next generation.
The narrative of the event was further enriched by the testimonies of distinguished alumni like Dr. Biswa Samal of Deloitte and Dr. D.S. Arvind of the Odisha Government.
Their reflections provided an evidence-based narrative of how SOA’s holistic training enables graduates to navigate complex professional terrains while maintaining a deep-seated gratitude for their origins.
Dr. Arvind’s poignant acknowledgment that his achievements are rooted in the faculty of medicine highlights the transformative power of the institution Dr. Nayak built.
By fostering these enduring bonds, SOA transcends its role as a school, functioning instead as a vital engine for regional development and a sanctuary of lifelong intellectual and emotional connection.