Events

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Hastantaran, meaning ‘handing over’ or ‘transferring’, heralded an exciting ceremony signifying the start of the mentoring journey for SPJIMR’s first-year PGDM participants and Abhyudaya Sitaras (Stars).

Abhyudaya, meaning ‘growing together’, is an experiential learning programme where each first-year PGDM participant is paired with a Sitara to mentor throughout the year. These Sitaras, chosen for their stellar academic records and performance in specialised aptitude tests, represent some of the brightest minds from Mumbai’s marginalised and underprivileged sections. Since its inception in 2008, Abhyudaya has seen 948 Sitaras and 3,688 PGDM participants embark on this transformative journey.

The Sitaras, who endearingly refer to their mentors as ‘Didis’ (sisters) or ‘Bhaiyas’ (brothers), gain lifelong guides who provide academic support, personality development training, emotional support, and advice on personal or professional issues.

Hastantaran 2024 marked the auspicious start of Abhyudaya for the PGDM cohort of 2024-26. Arati Nagaraj, Director of SPJIMR-Abhyudaya, inspired both Sitaras and PGDM aspirants, stating, “To the senior mentors, remember, your journey is never over. You continue to be your Sitaras’ North Star. And to the new mentors, embrace this journey and strive to become a guiding light for your Sitaras.”

‘Celestial Connections’, the theme of Hastantaran 2024, highlighted the profound and deep bonds formed between the PGDM participants and the Sitaras. The ceremony was a vibrant celebration, , with Sitaras and PGDM participants lighting up the stage with energetic dances and soulful songs. During a panel discussion, second-year PGDM participants and Sitaras shared their Abhyudaya experiences, addressing the doubts and concerns of the first-year participants.

The most anticipated moment of Hastantaran 2024 was the inaugural mentor-mentee meeting. Each Sitara, with eager eyes and hopeful hearts, searched for their beloved ‘Didis’ and ‘Bhaiyas’. This poignant moment marked their rite of passage from one mentor to the next. The event concluded with a series of ice-breaking and team-building activities, where the Sitaras and their new mentors shared personal stories, aspirations, and expectations.

Hastantaran 2024 brought a palpable shift in the energy on campus. The excitement of being part of an experience that shapes lives, forges lifelong bonds, and creates cherished memories was almost tangible. Each participant and their Sitara now stand poised to embark on a remarkable journey of personal growth and learning.