On 4th October 2024, the Mar Athanasius College of Engineering Alumni Association (MACEAA) in Kuwait proudly celebrated "RUBIS 24," marking 40 successful years of its establishment in Kuwait. The grand event, held at the American International School, witnessed an overwhelming attendance of MACE alumni, their families, all elegantly dressed in ruby-red attire and members from other prominent Malayalee engineering associations to commemorate the occasion.
The evening commenced with a respectful tribute to the host country, Kuwait, as the national anthem filled the hall. In his speech, the Chairman Mr. Vinil KV reflected on the association’s founding in 1984 and its growth into a vibrant community. He highlighted MACEAA’s philanthropic efforts, including their commitment to providing financial support to students. To mark the occasion, MACEAA announced scholarships for 40 deserving students, reinforcing their dedication to education.
Mr. Vinil extended a warm welcome to Dr. Bose Mathew Jose, Principal of Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, commending his outstanding leadership that has driven the college’s impressive growth and success. He also recognized Mrs. Hanan Shan, General Convenor of the Kuwait Engineers Forum (KEF), for her exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to the engineering community.
Dr. Bose Mathew Jose spoke on the remarkable journey of Mar Athanasius College of Engineering since 1961, emphasizing the crucial role of its alumni in Kuwait in shaping student success. Mrs. Hanan Shan, expressing her gratitude to MACEAA for their contributions to KEF, praised its initiatives like Sargotsav that have enriched the KEF community. She concluded by acknowledging Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s inspiring leadership.
Next, we had the eagerly anticipated address by our esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Shashi Tharoor. He began by congratulating the MACE alumni on reaching the remarkable milestone of 40 years in Kuwait and commended the association for its dedicated work over the years. He spoke of the widespread presence of the Malayalee community across the globe, excelling in various professions. He noted that we now live in the era of the globalized Malayalee and each one of us is a testament to that fact.
Dr. Tharoor commended MACEAA’s noble gesture of awarding scholarships to deserving students from their alma mater, recognizing it as a way of honouring the legacy of His Grace Mar Paulose Athanasius. He also addressed the pressing challenges of climate change, urging engineers to lead the way in building a future where humankind and nature coexist harmoniously. Dr. Tharoor concluded by thanking the alumni for inviting him and extending his best wishes for the future.
Following his speech, Dr. Shashi Tharoor presented mementos to the event’s premium sponsors – Tamdeen Group, Al Mulla Engineering, Axis Communication, Cummins Arabia, Kotak Mahindra and NBTC – whose support was instrumental in making the event a resounding success.
To mark the 40-year milestone, a special souvenir ‘Rubis Chronicles’ showcasing cherished memories from college days and four decades in Kuwait was unveiled, bringing the official ceremonies to a close.
The celebrations continued with the much-awaited "Ruby Wardrobe," a dazzling fashion show that brought together members and their families in an unforgettable display of elegance and style. Dressed in vibrant ruby shades, participants gracefully took to the stage, accompanied by lively music. It was a magnificent celebration of unity, grace and joy, choreographed to perfection by our talented Chief Event Convenor, Mrs. Shabnam Sageer.
The night concluded with a mesmerizing musical performance by renowned Malayalee singers Vidhu Pratap and Jyotsna. The packed auditorium was treated to a seamless blend of nostalgic melodies and contemporary hits, with the duo captivating the audience from start to finish. Vivid stage lighting and their lively engagement with the crowd created an electric atmosphere, leaving everyone cheering, swaying, and singing along. As the concert ended, it was clear this wasn’t just a show, it was an unforgettable experience that left the audience wanting for more.