Symbiosis Dubai hosted a special edition of its flagship alumni-engagement series, #SYMBInspires, titled “Cricket & Beyond.” The event celebrated the broader lessons of sports and their power to inspire, connect, and shape character, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and institutional leaders from Dubai and India.
Held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Two Seasons Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, the gathering reflected the Symbiosis philosophy – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means The World is One Family – highlighting how the university nurtures meaningful connections across geographies, professions, and generations.
This edition featured two distinguished alumni from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune: Vikram Sathaye, cricket presenter, author, and stand-up comedian, and Sunandan Lele, renowned cricket journalist and broadcaster. Though they graduated years apart, both share a love for cricket and storytelling. Their conversation offered students a behind-the-scenes perspective on the sport, showing how cricket mirrors life – teaching lessons in perseverance, teamwork, decision-making, leadership, and celebrating small victories along the way.
Quote from Vikram Sathaye: “Cricket, like life, is never a solo sport. When one player steps out to bat, they carry the strength, belief, and spirit of the entire team. Every run scored is a reflection of shared effort – the victory is never mine alone, it’s ours.”
Quote from Sunandan Lele: “Every leader plays the game differently; some anticipate, some execute, some inspire. But leadership reaches its truest form when you can read your own strengths as well as your team’s, and turn that understanding into collective purpose.”
Reflecting on the evening, Dr. Amay Yeravdekar, Head of off-campus & Pune campuses at Symbiosis International University, said: “It is always inspiring to see our alumni return and share their journeys. Students who once walked these halls are now making an impact across the world. #SYMBInspires allows our students to see what is possible, to learn from real experiences, and to connect with the broader Symbiosis family – gaining insights, inspiration, and perspective that no textbook can offer.”
The event was also organised & attended by Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis Dubai, who highlighted the university’s growing global presence and the importance of connecting alumni with the next generation of learners. She emphasized that Symbiosis Dubai is more than an academic institution – it is a vibrant platform where ideas, cultures, and ambitions converge.
The gathering also served as a meaningful networking opportunity, allowing students to engage with alumni, industry professionals, and university leaders in an informal and inspiring setting.
#SYMBInspires continues to serve as a platform where alumni and students share experiences, exchange ideas, and celebrate the shared values of the global Symbiosis community. This edition, featuring two distinguished alumni united by their passion for cricket, exemplified the ethos of connection, learning, and inspiration at the heart of Symbiosis Dubai.
