'Early deaths and stress'. CEO claims why IIM Kolkata preponed its recent 25 year alumni reunion to 15 years

Whether it’s health crises, stress, or lifestyle choices, the reality is that life is unpredictable. A recent post by a well-known entrepreneur has sparked a serious conversation about this very truth. Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, recently shared a poignant reflection on LinkedIn after speaking to a friend who had attended his 15-year reunion at IIM Calcutta. Traditionally, the grand reunion is held 25 years after graduation. However, the professors revealed that the milestone had been moved up by a decade for two sobering reasons.

First, it helps address the emotional needs of alumni grappling with mid-life crises — a time when reconnecting with old friends can offer comfort and perspective. But the second reason was far more unsettling: a significant percentage of alumni were no longer alive by the time the 25-year mark arrived. Whether due to COVID-19, vaccines, lifestyle diseases, or other unknown factors, the increased mortality rate among graduates has become impossible to ignore.

Shantanu concluded with an important reminder for everyone — prioritize your health, focus on consistent exercise, eat well, sleep adequately, and find happiness while you still have time.

Internet reacts

While Shantanu Deshpande’s post struck an emotional chord with many, it also sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. Some users felt the reasoning behind advancing the IIM Calcutta reunion from 25 to 15 years was a bit far-fetched, suggesting that instances of alumni deaths might be isolated rather than widespread. Others pointed out that today's life expectancy trends paint a more optimistic picture.

They highlighted that at the time of India’s independence, life expectancy was just 32 years, but today it has nearly doubled, reaching around 70 years. For individuals with access to good healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle awareness, living into their 80s is increasingly common — aligning with global standards. Even the impact of COVID-19, with a fatality rate of around 1%, was seen as unlikely to drastically alter overall longevity.

While some acknowledged the unpredictability of life and encouraged living it to the fullest, others advised caution against promoting fear-driven narratives. Several users expressed that inspiring leaders should ideally focus on positivity and evidence-based perspectives rather than triggering unnecessary anxiety.