Time Feels like it "shrinks"

Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of attending three alumni meets—two Unilever Alumni Meets (Bangalore & Mumbai) and my first SIBM Alumni Meet in almost two decades. Each event was a reminder of the deep-rooted bonds that time and distance can never fade....I made attempt and all my travel plans around to make sure attending. This time all 3 places, somehow organisers were much more energising in inviting all or marketing it better than earlier or maybe I was drawn to it. Huge gratitude to the amazing organizing teams for making these alumni meets so special! It truly felt like coming home—thank you!

With around 1,200 attendees across these events, it was amazing to reconnect with at least 500 old friends, mentors, peers, and team members. The handshakes, the warm hugs, the spontaneous laughter, the countless photos—all moments that reignited old memories and reinforced the impact we have had on each other's journeys. May be I am getting old, I want to connect with all who have touched in my life, remember all good times. Whatever it is, it’s such a warm feeling and I don't mind living with that fuzzy feeling.

There is a psychological research on the impact of reconnecting with old friends, and it highlights several emotional and cognitive benefits.?

• Interactions with familiar and trusted people trigger the release of?oxytocin?(the bonding hormone) and?dopamine?(the reward hormone), leading to feelings of joy, safety, and belonging. This is why meeting an old friend often feels refreshing and deeply fulfilling.
• Psychologists suggest that nostalgia serves as a psychological buffer against stress. When you meet an old friend, your brain retrieves shared memories, strengthening emotional bonds and reinforcing your sense of identity. This can enhance life satisfaction and even boost self-esteem.

What made it special was seeing former team members and classmates now doing purposeful jobs, holding big roles, excelling in their careers, and shaping organisations. Watching peers evolve, mentors still guiding, and friends achieving great heights—it fills me with immense pride. All I wanted to hear everyone’s story and what are they upto? My first reaction was almost robotic—"Oh my god! How are you?"—followed by a big hug.?"We’re meeting after so many years! How have you been? What are you up to? Fill me in on everything we’ve missed!"?And just like that, in a few minutes, years melted away. Each story I heard was phenomenal and reminded how each one of us have immersed ourselves in lives. Studies suggest that time feels like it "shrinks" when reconnecting with old friends. This phenomenon, known as?social time compression, explains why people often feel as if no time has passed, even after years of separation. The deep-rooted bond remains intact, allowing for instant comfort and familiarity.?

It felt incredible to have former chairmen, bosses, seniors take the time to talk to me, share their advice, and even invite me to meet them. And yes, I’ve been shamelessly asking for help—from them and so many peers—because if there’s one thing these alumni meets remind us of, it’s that we’re all part of a network that’s always willing to support, guide, and uplift each other.?

To my fellow alumni I met at Unilever and SIBM—thank you for the wonderful conversations, the warm welcomes, and for reminding me why these communities matter so much. Looking forward to many more such reunions! To all those contemplating whether to attend their next alumni meet or meeting an old friend or colleague—do it. You never know what new perspectives, friendships, or ideas might emerge from a simple conversation over coffee or a drink.?

The biggest lesson I’m carrying forward—reliving memories isn’t just about events, it’s about reconnecting, one conversation at a time. Share your thoughts and stories—I’d love to hear them!

Cheers

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