Alumni Foundation: A Legacy of Giving Back at NGM
NGM stands as a beacon of education, boasting a rich 61-year history and a vibrant community of over 50,000 accomplished alumni. These graduates have gone on to make significant contributions across diverse fields – from the dynamic landscapes of business, industry, and commerce, to the complex arenas of politics and scientific research, and the cutting-edge world of technical institutions. Their influence is felt not just across India, but also internationally, a testament to the quality of education and the lasting impact of NGM.
The NGM Alumni Foundation is a powerful expression of this legacy, demonstrating the alumni’s commitment to giving back and strengthening the institution that shaped them. Its core mission is to propel NGM and its students forward through strategic support and engagement. The foundation is driven by a clear vision of enabling the next generation of NGM students to achieve their full potential.
Key Objectives of the NGM Alumni Foundation:
- Scholarship Provision: The foundation’s primary focus is to provide financial assistance to deserving students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Undergraduate Support: Scholarships are granted across various disciplines to help students access quality education and relieve the financial burden of their studies.
- Postgraduate Support: Recognizing the importance of advanced research, the foundation also offers scholarships to outstanding postgraduate students, enabling them to pursue research programs both in India and abroad. This supports the advancement of knowledge and research within the country and beyond.
- Corpus Fund Development: The foundation aims to establish a substantial corpus fund of Rs. 100 lakhs. This fund is:
- Professionally Managed: To ensure sustainability and effective growth, the corpus fund will be managed by an Expert Advisory Board, comprising professionals with experience in financial management and investment strategies.
- Return Utilization: The returns generated from this corpus will be strategically allocated towards meeting the foundation’s objectives, ensuring a long-term impact on student support initiatives.
Alumni Association Contributions:
The NGM Alumni Association plays a vital role in supporting the foundation’s objectives through continuous and dedicated engagement. Their contributions include:
- Annual Scholarship Funding: Each year, the association makes a considerable contribution towards scholarships for deserving and economically disadvantaged students across all departments. This demonstrates a strong commitment to equity and accessible education.
- Individual Generosity: Notable individuals within the alumni network, like Dr. S. Ramakrishnan (Founder, The Pollachi Cardiac Centre, Pollachi) and Thiru A.M. Palanisamy (Aerospace, Coimbatore), have stepped forward with substantial annual contributions to support scholarships. Their commitment is a powerful example of the potential for individual alumni to impact the NGM community. The distribution of these scholarships is a highlight of the Alumni Association Annual Meet, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
NGM Alumni Permanent Project:
To mark the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of NGM, the Alumni Association proposed a permanent project on campus. This initiative represents a lasting commitment to the institution and future generations of students.
- Financial Contribution: In 2017, a total of Rs. 10,170,05 was contributed by the Executive Committee members and members of the Alumni Association towards this special project. This reflects a strong collective effort and a commitment to tangible enhancements on campus. The specific details and purpose of the permanent project would illustrate the specific improvements achieved, such as building a new facility, supporting research, or investing in advanced educational resources.
Alumni Scholarship Impact:
The scholarships provided by the NGM Alumni Association and the foundation are critical to:
- Reducing Financial Barriers: These scholarships alleviate the significant financial burden faced by many students, allowing them to focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial constraints.
- Promoting Academic Excellence: By recognizing and supporting meritorious students, the scholarships encourage academic achievement and create a more competitive and driven academic environment.
- Building a Stronger NGM Community: The act of alumni giving back strengthens the bond between the institution and its graduates, creating a virtuous cycle of support and investment in the future.
The NGM Alumni Foundation is a vital engine for progress and a symbol of the enduring connection between NGM and its alumni. Through strategic scholarship programs, disciplined financial management, and unwavering commitment, the foundation is ensuring that the legacy of NGM continues to shape future generations of leaders and innovators. The continued growth and impact of the foundation are critical to realizing NGM’s mission and strengthening the network of alumni for years to come. This dedicated effort underscores a powerful belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of paying it forward.
The inaugural NGM Alumni Meet, a landmark event in the institution’s history, took place on February 26th, 2006, marked by a palpable sense of pride and celebration. The event was a resounding success, with over 1500 NGM alumni registering and participating, demonstrating a deep-rooted connection and enthusiasm for their alma mater. This remarkable gathering showcased the diverse and significant contributions NGM graduates have made across various sectors. The registered attendees represented a powerful cross-section of society, including:
- Leaders in Academia: Two distinguished Vice-Chancellors, illustrating the college’s contribution to higher education leadership.
- Guardians of the Law & Order: Nine accomplished IPS Officers, serving the nation with dedication and integrity.
- Pillars of Healthcare: Nine dedicated medical professionals (doctors), making a difference in the lives of countless individuals.
- Champions of Justice: More than one hundred skilled lawyers, upholding the principles of law and order.
- Innovators in Technology: Over two hundred Software Engineers, a testament to NGM’s role in shaping the tech landscape.
- Educators of Tomorrow: Hundreds of Professors, Teachers, and Chartered Accountants, shaping young minds and guiding future professionals.
This impressive representation also extends within the college itself; a testament to the quality of education, a dedicated faculty includes 115 alumni who have returned to enrich the academic experience of future generations. Beyond these specific professions, thousands more NGM alumni are making their mark in:
- Banking & Finance: Nationalized Banks, Insurance Companies.
- Government and Public Service: Government organizations, Public sector undertakings.
- Entrepreneurship: Business ventures and the agricultural sector, demonstrating the versatility of NGM graduates.
- Global Corporations: More than 300 Alumni thriving in various Multinational companies in the USA, UK, Canada, and other European countries, showcasing the global reach of their NGM training.
The consistent success of NGM alumni can be attributed to the value-based education that the college provides, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also character development and ethical conduct. This holistic approach has prepared graduates to excel in their chosen fields and become responsible and impactful citizens.
To further strengthen the ties within the alumni community, several active alumni chapters have been established:
- Chennai Chapter: With 65 members, this chapter provides a platform for networking and engagement within the city.
- Bangalore Chapter: Boasting 75 members, this chapter is largely composed of the thriving software engineering community.
- International Presence: NGM students in the USA and Canada have also established Alumni chapters, fostering a strong network across international borders, allowing them to stay connected to each other and to the college.
The global reach of the NGM alumni network was recently reinforced by a visit from a batch of 20 foreign alumni. They were deeply impressed by the significant growth and infrastructural advancements of the college. As a show of their gratitude and commitment to their alma mater, these alumni have made a voluntary pledge to make a substantial contribution towards infrastructure development during the institution’s golden jubilee year. This demonstrates the strong emotional connection and their strong belief in the college.
Adding to the spirit of appreciation and recognition, the NGM Alumni Association makes it an annual tradition to honor outstanding alumni for their exceptional contributions to society. This acknowledgment not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires current students and encourages them to strive for excellence in their respective fields. These acts of recognition reinforce the message that NGM’s network extends far beyond the campus limits, leaving a lasting impact on the world.
In conclusion, the NGM Alumni Meet of 2006 and the subsequent growth of the alumni network highlight the college’s legacy of producing well-rounded individuals who contribute significantly to society on a local, national, and global scale. The strong alumni community, their continuous engagement, and their commitment to their alma mater paint a bright and promising future for NGM.