IIEST alumni to take part in 'nostalia' run for charity

A group of former Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) students will come together for a 'nostalgic' run along a 10-km stretch from the city as part of charity.

The 2018 edition of 'Route 55' -- a tribute to the lone bus route between the campus in Howrah district and central Kolkata's Esplanade area till 1999 -- will see participation of alumni from 15 cities in India and abroad on December 30.

First started in 2013 by 10 former students of IIEST, earlier known as Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU), the initiative strives to give back to society as well as advocate personal fitness, the organisers said.

The pre-requisite to participate in the run is a donation of USD 55 (about Rs 3,800) to Sramajibi Hospital in Howrah.

"It is great feeling to see my students from around the world coming together to do their bit for the community," IIEST Director Prof Parthasarathi Chakrabarti told reporters on Friday evening.

Sandeep Chatterjee, a former student based in Hyderabad, said a portion of the donation is used to provide discounted healthcare to the drivers and conductors of Bus 55.

"We believe in giving back to the community that had formed an important part of our student lives ... Bus 55 has been an important part of the IIEST lore and those living in the community," Chatterjee said.