The former geology students of Patna Science College had a double delight on Sunday. The warmth of friendship was enhanced by Team India's superb performance at Adelaide Oval, as cricket became the talking point in the first alumni meet of their department.

Apart from discussions on how could Rohit Sharma throw away his wicket to if India needs better co-ordination among batsmen, most of the participants kept themselves updated on real-time scores using smartphones or tablets. Some of them even watched live streaming of the game on their gadgets.

Rajeev Saran, an alumnus of the 1999-2002 batch, said: "I couldn't miss any of the events as both are important. I downloaded an app to get match updates on my phone."

Another alumnus, Avinash Kumar Sinha of the 1976-1979 batch, who is not conversant with gizmos, received all cricket updates from his grandson. He said: "I don't how to use these new gadgets. My grandson kept me messaging the score, fall of wickets and runs. I didn't want to miss this epic tie or this event."

As the match neared end, the entire topic of discussion shifted to Team India. Imtiyaz Aziz, an alumnus of the 1987-1990 batch said: "In our country, where cricket is more a religion than a sport, we never miss out on watching matches, especially those between India and Pakistan. I discussed the first half of the match with my friends and I got the updates of the last half on my cellphone. My friends and me have decided to meet at my residence and watch the highlights of the match at night and celebrate India's victory."

Around 250 former students turned up at the meet.

Santosh Kumar, a 2002-2005 batch student, said: "I am happy I got a chance to celebrate the first alumni association of the department where I studied for five years."

An open session on their feelings and memories associated with the institute was organised for the alumni. The meet was a fun-filled trip down memory lane as former students shared experiences and sentiments. Some of their speeches not only captivated the audience but touched their hearts as well.

S.N. Vivnave, the first student of the geology department, inaugurated the function. Addressing the gathering, he said: "It is like homecoming for me after 66 years."

College principal U.K. Sinha was also present.