An association launched in April of entrepreneurs and independent professionals from diverse domains who passed out of South Point School has consolidated the brand and taken it beyond the school identity at its second expo of the year on Saturday.
“This is our third edition which has drawn more participation and partnerships,” said Atin Dutta, chairman of the governing body of Pointers Business Forum (PBF).
The number was up from 42 last time to 65, offering products and services ranging from garments and accessories, food items, pen and ink, tourist packages, indoor plants, and interior decoration to IT solutions.
The forum, which has been registered as a non-profit company, forged several partnerships. A memorandum of understanding was signed with the Retailers Association of India.
“We gave them affiliate membership so that there can be mutual participation in each other’s future events,” said Dutta. Rotary Means Business, a fellowship of Rotarians, has also come on board as ecosystem partner.
A backlit stage was added to the event where other than the MoU signing, a couple of musical performances took place. While one was a school alumni band, The Hyve, the other, a performance by an ex-Boscoite, was a “goodwill collaboration”.
“Don Bosco Park Circus approached us to promote the War of the Bands they are hosting in January,” said Arnab Basu, director-convenor of PBF. A fashion show showcased alumna Susmita Lahiri’s fashion line. The inaugural issue of the newsletter, PBF Connect, was also unveiled.
There were enquiries galore at the stall of Priority Medical Clinic, where neurosurgeon Kaushik Sil, of the class of Madhyamik 1986, was promoting his new homecare service.
“So many of our schoolmates stay out of town and their elderly parents stay here alone. Our team of doctors will go on home visits while our polyclinic will provide diagnostic services at their doorstep,” he said.
The counter was especially popular as it offered free neuropathy and oral health screening.
The table of Madhyamik 1992 pass out Arnab Majumdar’s Fins & Paws had on display illuminated betta fish tanks, in which little fish were swimming about.
“This would suit people who want pets but are unable to devote time. These tanks are largely self-sufficient and the fish are low maintenance,” said Arnab’s Pointer wife Tulika.
“The expo has been a great success and will be held every winter. We are being approached by other alumni associations to help them set up similar bodies,” said PBF’s liaison director Sohini Roy.