SPJIMR Abhyudaya’s Hastantaran 2026: Humsafar — Growing Together

What happens when one chapter of mentorship ends and another begins? A new bond takes shape!

364 Sitaras and mentors came together for Hastantaran, Abhyudaya’s annual transition from one mentorship chapter to the next. This year’s theme, Humsafar — Growing Together, captured what mentorship is truly about: walking alongside one another, learning from each other and growing together. Hastantaran, meaning ‘handing over’, is a moment of mixed emotions.

The event began with lively performances by Sitaras and participants from the PGDM 2026–2028 batch, setting an energetic tone for the day. An engaging panel discussion featuring PGDM 2 participants and Sitaras offered reflections on their mentorship journeys, the relationships they had built, and advice for the new mentors.

For Sitara Pratik, Abhyudaya is “a covalent bond established between two people” — a fitting description of the connections that grow through the programme.

The event also welcomed chief guest Uma Arora, retired Principal of A. H. Wadia High School and a longstanding collaborator with Abhyudaya in implementing the Design Thinking programme at the school. Felicitated by current and former students and their parents, she reflected on the impact of giving children the freedom to learn for themselves: “Initially, I didn’t understand what Design Thinking was. But I had faith in Abhyudaya to provide Wadia school students with a unique experience. The result was surprising and exciting for me. I realised what children can learn if they are allowed to learn on their own.”

The much-awaited mentor-mentee reveal marked the beginning of a new chapter. Through icebreakers and handover activities, new pairs spent time getting to know each other, sharing stories and taking their first steps towards building a meaningful bond. Thoughtful gifts for Sitaras from Abhyudaya and handwritten letters from mentees to their new mentors added a personal touch to the celebration, expressing gratitude while looking ahead to the relationships they were about to build.

Addressing the mentors and mentees, Arati Nagaraj, Director, Abhyudaya, encouraged them to nurture long-term connections that extend well beyond the formal mentorship period, creating opportunities for continued learning, growth and togetherness. Quoting The Lord of the Rings, she reminded them: “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

At its heart, Hastantaran is about more than a handover. It is about continuity; carrying forward the trust, learning and possibilities created through mentorship, while making space for new relationships to grow. With every new humsafar, the Abhyudaya community grows a little stronger.