How social media helped to connect a bunch of guys after 13yrs…

I am an Alumni of Merind Ltd. (Merind Ltd was a pharma company from Tata group. This company was originally called MSD-Merck sharp and Dohme, which was a Joint Venture between MSD and Tata group. JV partners decided to part ways in late 80s and Tatas managed the company till it was sold to wockhardt in 1996) I started my career and worked there for 6 years and for me professionally it was a solid grounding in Pharma business of early 90s. Its almost 13yrs since I left that job, but thanks to Linkedin and Facebook, I am in touch with most of my colleagues who worked with me around that time. Recently there was a reunion of Merindians in Mumbai. I could not attend that. But my very good friend, also a Merindian, Shivakumar who currently works for Carl Zeiss was there for this reunion and he has written this Guest post on the event. For me this once again reinforces the power the social media has on our lives today. Read on this well written maiden post from Shiv….

In one’s career, the company/organization and people with whom one works with shapes many thoughts and characteristics of the individual. There were times people spent major part of their career with one organization. The idea of changing one’s company or job profile was a rare trait. In today’s professional environment, changing jobs or profiles is not a rarity. It is seen as an advantage to fast track ones professional career.

Thus a situation arises when you work with so many people and acquaintances. How do you stay in touch with them once you move on to other jobs? You tend to make new friends and remember few of your older colleagues. If there presents an opportunity to meet people from your old company what do you do? Would you look forward or need some prodding or pushing to renew your old ties? What are your thoughts and emotions when you attend such a gathering?

Well, this little preface is to share some thoughts about the Merind ex employee’s reunion that was held recently in Mumbai on Sunday 27^th June. As usual the idea was sparked by few committed individuals a month before the event. All means of communication tools available like social networking websites, internet, Mobile, telephone was used to spread the message. A week before we get a figure of 135 people confirming to attend the meeting titled Merind Yadgar day. Their geographical locations were far and wide spread.

Finally on the D-day 115 ex Merindians attended. They were ex-Merindians not only by definition based on their current designations and status but also based on the fact that Merind was acquired by Wockhardt in mid 90s. They were Merindians by spirit and belonging. Each one of them shared their thoughts on how they worked in Merind and what they were doing today. Speaker after speaker shared the stories which made their lives when working for Merind. Organizations are built on stories of people identifying themselves for the success of their company. A heart that volunteers sees no obstacles in their workplace. What makes one to volunteer? That is difficult to answer. Inspirational leader’s biographies may provide some insights. The happenings inside organizations are not captured in widely consumed media like TV or Newspapers. The stories are mostly privately shared between groups of individuals. Unfortunately, this is not reflected in the company’s profit and loss account or influences share prices of the company.

The common sentiment that came across from the people who shared their experiences was that they enjoyed the freedom and empowerment to do their jobs. Then leadership was commended by one and all for providing this kind of conducive atomosphere to work. The leader, Mr Nawshir Khurody the MD of the company then, who had empowered us all while we worked there was also present and in his speech he hardly took any credit but shared lot of anecdotes with us. This trait of humbleness is so rarely seen nowadays was warmly experienced that day. It was an emotionally nostalgic moment when everybody shared the memories of the good old days. The moisture in the people’s eyes was more than the Mumbai monsoon could provide on that day. Such was the emotions and sentiments during the reunion. Today social media provides opportunities to connect with long last friends and it will be more meaningful if we create opportunities for meetings or reunions.

Do you have any stories of Social media helping you connect long lost friends or colleagues. Please do share them here.

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