On February 3, 2021, I conducted a quick survey on the Batch ’69 Viber chat group on having a website for our batch. Within 10 minutes, the poll garnered ten yeas and no nays but just as quickly lost momentum.  I was disappointed, so I put the idea aside.

With the pandemic limiting routine outdoor activities, I decided to spend my indoor time learning something interesting. So instead of just sitting on the couch the whole day, monitoring the ups and downs of Dow Jones, Nasdaq, S & P, etc., I chose to learn the complex process of developing a website.

Months later, I asked Joel Suarez if he would help me sell the idea of having a website for Batch ’69. He came on board after I assured him that I would create the website and be its administrator, at least for the first two years. He then raised the idea with the Batch ’69 core group, which holds twice-weekly virtual meetings, where the proposal gained traction.  A special Zoom meeting was arranged to present my proposed website project and respond to their queries and concerns.  Ideas and suggestions were exchanged, including the possibility of outsourcing the job to a professional web developer.

Eventually, a decision was reached: I was given the opportunity to create the website, and members were appointed to the Website Oversight Committee, the formation of which was part of my proposal. In addition, Resource Persons, whose advice and experience we could draw on, were also appointed.

This project will continue for the next couple of years. After that, the members of Batch ’69 will have to decide if they wish to keep it going. Six months from inception, significant progress has been achieved; but it will continue to evolve, like the batch it represents.

Paddy Samson