Our life is a never-ending search for an identity. It begins from our birth till our death. The search for identity gets emancipated in our words and deeds.

Three of my grandchildren started their formal education. I asked each of them, “what is your name?”. Their answers were pointers to the identity we all were searching for. One joining the LKG said ” അമ്മയുടെ ചക്കരകുട്ടൻ” (I am the pet of my mother)”. At the earliest stage, we identify ourselves with our parents, mother in particular.The UKG kid said,” I am Francis Mathew Palackkatharapel.” Here is the instance of our identity with our family, at least that’s what our parents intend to. The eldest grandchild said” I am Maria Mathew, St Thomas School, STD I E.” At this stage we identify ourselves with the educational institution we study and proudly display the ID card. This continues till the end of our formal education. Thus, the alumni present here today are identified as BIMS MBA Batch 1,2,3…. 25.

Once we get employed, we identify ourselves with our employer, Federal Bank, Axis Bank, KPMG, EY,.. we become an employee ID No. It is at this stage we start wearing, and using goods to get an identity. That’s what makes us go for brands like Arrow, CD, Gucci, iPhone, BMW, and so on. Still, further, we are prompted to enhance our identity by migrating to other countries Canada, the UK, Australia…Those Indians abroad are in constant conflict with their identity or belongingness, as described by Shashi Tharoor This was quite evident recently in T20 matches India played abroad. Playing in Ireland, when Captain Hardik Pandya announced Sanju Samson in the playing eleven, there was a loud ovation from the crowd which surprised Pandya. We Malayalees are well aware of the presence of our folk there. They express their identity with their home state whenever possible. Likewise, a Malayalam song was played at the Port of Spain match against West Indies and there was a large fan following for Samson in Florida. As we get old and our children get active in life, we get identified by them. The recent case was Elon Musk’s father getting into the news. Thus, our search still on, we pass out of this world. Thereafter we will be identified by all and sundry, the mode, they think fit.

Sadhguru of Isha Foundation calls the identity “Ahanghara”, ‘pride’. It is this pride in your identity with BIMS that has brought you today to this Grand Alumni meet. Let me assume what you wish to say at this juncture.

May I draw your attention to the closing shot, which may be considered the climax, of the film which won the Kerala State Award 2021 for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value, Hridhayam. The Hero after several years of passing out from College comes back to write on the wall preserved for writing their impression of their college life. What he wrote might be what in your heart of heart you intend to say today. “Thank you for making me what I am”

Thank you BIMS