VJTI CANTEEN MODERNIZATION
If someone asked you about your fondest memories of VJTI, it would be a safe bet that memories of the time spent in VJTI canteen would rank among the top. It doesn’t matter which years we were in VJTI or which branch we were part of, the canteen was the central hangout place for all of us. The canteen was our go to place to complete our journals, to cram for our exams, to debate endlessly about recent Bollywood movies, to rejoice after India’s strong performance in cricket matches, to rag freshers by making them do dandiya with matchsticks 😄, and so much more. Heck, even our BE farewell function was in the canteen! I am sure that you still remember the chai, samosas, batata vadas, pav bhaji, and all the other snacks we ate there.
Our canteen, where several of our lifelong friendships blossomed, has not undergone any significant repair or remodeling for nearly six decades! The VJTI Alumni Association in Mumbai and the VJTI International Alumni Association in the USA are partnering to do a complete makeover of our beloved canteen. a complete makeover of the Canteen. The VJTI Canteen Modernization Fund is intended to modernize the VJTI canteen to achieve the following goals:
Modern design with a seating capacity ~ 300
Build a well-planned commercial kitchen adhering to the latest safety and hygiene standards
Allocate dedicated seating areas for students and staff.
Provide an exclusive enclosure for visiting dignitaries and alumni.
Here are photos of the current canteen and an artist’s view of the modernized canteen. The total cost of this project is approximately INR 2 crores (USD 238K). The entire project is expected to take ~5 months.
We are making an earnest plea for contributions from our alumni. Substantial contributions (Rs. 20 lakhs or higher) from individual donors or large pooled contributions from your class or batch will be considered for special recognition through a permanent plaque installed in the canteen.
Ways to donate:
US Based Alumni: VJTI International Alumni Association is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. Donations made are eligible for tax benefits. We will issue you a receipt for your monetary contribution. Please consult with your financial advisor to discuss your specific tax situation.
Zelle (most preferred): Make payment to vjti.intl.alumni@gmail.com
Check. Make the check payable to VJTI International Alumni Association and mail it to: Rajesh Parekh 3242 Vintage Oaks Ct. San Jose, CA 95148.
Wire Transfer (least preferred). Note that Bank of America charges a fee of $15 for every incoming wire. For wire instructions please email treasurer@vjtiintlalumni.org
US based donors should send an email to treasurer@vjtiintlalumni.org with their full name, contact phone, amount donated, and method of donation so we can issue the donation receipt.
We look forward to your generous contributions. Please also help us spread the word by forwarding to VJTi’ites in your networks.