Introduction

There are places in life that shape who we become—and for many dreamers, that place is a college club, tucked away in a classroom corner where ideas are scribbled on whiteboards and passion outweighs resources.

E-Club isn’t just a club. It’s a beginning.

From brainstorming during free periods to hosting ENEXT festivals, from debating product ideas to late-night calls about budgets and branding, E-Club has seen it all. And on this remarkable day, it saw something even more meaningful—the return of its own.

The E-Club Homecoming Panel brought back five extraordinary alumni entrepreneurs who once stood in the very same shoes as today’s students. This wasn’t just another panel discussion. This was a time capsule of ambition, grit, and growth, where the past met the present and together envisioned the future.

The Return of Visionaries

We were honored to welcome five dynamic alumni to the panel, all of whom once shaped and were shaped by the E-Club:

Mr. Arjun Ganeshan, Founder, Hundred Learning

Mr. Singai G. Ramachandran, Founder, The Social Media Company

Mr. Vishnu Mahesh, Director, Care Inc

Mr. Rahul Kamath, Proprietor, Blenders Inc CBE

Mr. Janardhana Rao, Director, Triumph Global

They came not just as guests, but as family.

These individuals—now running companies, leading innovations, and shaping industries—credit a part of their journey to their E-Club days. Each of them carried with them not only their achievements but also their cherished memories and experiences.

E-Club alumni panel sharing their journey on stage

Walking Down Memory Lane

From the moment they walked into the venue, nostalgia filled the air. The panel kicked off with a trip down memory lane, as each speaker shared stories of:

ENEXT and its early days of chaos and excitement.

Overcoming the fear of failure and rejection during their first pitches.

Building their confidence through E-Club sessions and brainstorming nights.

“It was in E-Club that I first felt heard. That one spark—that one idea—was nurtured here,” said Mr. Singai G. Ramachandran.

Their reflections showed how even the smallest experiences in college—volunteering for events, leading a team, or cold-calling sponsors—laid the groundwork for entrepreneurial confidence.

Growth, Grit, and Guts

As the discussion moved forward, the alumni dived into their real-world experiences. They talked about:

Struggles of fundraising and rejection.

Moments of failure that taught them the value of perseverance.

Lessons in leadership, ethics, and people management.

They made it clear that entrepreneurship is not a destination—it’s a mindset. One that demands curiosity, adaptability, and courage. And most importantly, one that starts with belief—often sparked in rooms like the E-Club’s.

“If you’re not willing to be misunderstood for a long time, you’re not ready to lead,” said Vishnu Mahesh, quoting Jeff Bezos.

The Unspoken Bond

Even after they left the mic, the learning didn’t stop. The alumni interacted one-on-one with current students, gave feedback on projects, and offered to mentor promising ideas.

“We’re not just alumni. We’re your extended team now,” said Mr. Janardhana Rao, smiling.

What stood out was not the stature they had achieved, but the humility and willingness to lift others as they climb. Their presence sparked motivation that no textbook ever could.

Key Takeaways

Here are the most powerful lessons from the panel that will resonate with every aspiring entrepreneur:

1. Start Where You Are, With What You Have

You don’t need capital to begin—you need curiosity. Every startup begins with asking, “What if?”

2. Failure Is Feedback in Disguise

Don’t fear failure. Every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.” Build resilience, not regrets.

3. Your Network is Your Net Worth

Relationships you build now—in college, in clubs, in classrooms—will open doors years down the line.

4. Be Bold Enough to Dream, But Brave Enough to Build

Ideas are easy. Execution is everything. Stay consistent, stay grounded.

5. Legacy Begins with Impact

Your biggest contribution may not be what you build, but who you inspire. Just like these alumni did today.

Conclusion

The E-Club Homecoming Panel was not just an event. It was a bridge. A bridge between what was and what could be.As we listened to stories of garage startups turning into companies, of sleepless nights turning into milestones, we realized something deeply profound:Success isn’t measured by where you are now—but by how far you’ve come, and how many you bring along.For today’s E-Club members, the panel wasn't just inspiring—it was affirming. It proved that this journey has been walked before, and greatness is possible.And for the alumni, it was a beautiful return to where it all began. They might have left the campus years ago, but their roots still run deep in these halls.Because in the heart of every entrepreneur lies the spirit of where they started.

And as the saying goes—once E-Club, always E-Club.

Are you a student with a dream?

Got an idea brewing? E-Club is your launchpad.

Join our upcoming sessions, mentorship programs, and startup challenges.

PSG CT - E-CLUB | E-ENEXT 2025