The Power of Office Meet and Greets

Let’s be honest – in the modern world of Zoom boxes and Slack pings, most of us only ever “meet” our colleagues as floating heads or mysteriously muted squares. An office meet and greet, therefore, is not just a break from the daily grind; it’s a rare phenomenon, akin to spotting a unicorn or finding matching socks on laundry day. It’s the joyous moment when email sign-offs transform into actual smiles, and watercooler banter becomes real-life laughs.

Such events are more than just formalities. They’re reminders of the human beings behind the screens – those who decode spreadsheets, draft pitches, or troubleshoot issues with the precision of a ninja and the patience of a saint. So, when an opportunity arises for us to step out of the office and into each other’s actual company, you bet we seize it like it’s the last samosa on the tray.

And that’s exactly what happened on the 17th of May 2025.

The Grand Day at Bandhan Banquet, Kolkata

The sun shone brighter that Saturday morning as the SBA family gathered at the beautiful Bandhan Banquet in Kestopur, Kolkata. Decked in formal attire with the sparkle of excitement in our eyes, we arrived from various parts of the city, determined not to let distance or the lure of a weekend lie-in keep us away. This wasn’t just any gathering. This was the meet and greet we had all been looking forward to – a day that would bring us together in the most splendid fashion.

Our honourable CEO, Partha Nag Sir, graced the occasion by flying all the way from Australia, accompanied by his charming wife, Sara. Their presence alone turned the day into something extraordinary. Partha Sir greeted each and every one of us with a warmth that made us feel seen, valued, and truly part of something bigger. There was no air of formality, just heartfelt conversation, cheerful exchanges, and enough laughter to echo through the banquet halls.

A Feast Fit for Royals

Let’s pause and talk about the feast – because good food deserves good words.

Sir didn’t just organise a lunch; he organised the lunch. The starters came in waves of crisp, spicy, tangy delights, tickling our tastebuds and prompting second (and third) rounds faster than you could say “save me a plate”. The main course was an explosion of flavour, catering to every palate with dishes both traditional and inventive. And the desserts? Let’s just say if happiness were edible, it would be found in those syrup-soaked rasgullas, gulab jamuns and delicate ice creams.

This grand meal wasn’t just about indulgence – it was a symbol of generosity, camaraderie, and the shared joy of breaking bread together.

More Than Colleagues, a Family

What started as workplace conversation turned into genuine connection, as we exchanged stories, jokes, and even a few embarrassing workmishaps!

The meet and greet wasn’t just limited to team members . Our families joined in the celebrations too, adding even more joy and meaning to the day. It was heartwarming to see children running around, spouses mingling, and proud parents smiling as they met the people we speak of at dinner every evening.

Despite the banquet’s distance from the city centre, not a single soul was deterred. Even those with long commutes made it a point to drop in, if only for a few hours – a testament to how much this day meant to all of us.

The Man Behind the Moment: Partha Nag Sir

We would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to appreciate the man who made it all possible – our CEO, mentor, and, dare we say, the most dashing guest of honour, Partha Nag Sir. With his gracious smile and easy approachability, he brought people together in a way that only true leaders can. His words of welcome, spoken not as a formality but as a heartfelt address, reminded us of the values that make SBA so unique – empathy, unity, and ambition.

Seeing him and Ma’am together, so warm and involved, made it feel less like a company function and more like a celebration at a beloved relative’s home. And when the boss travels halfway across the globe just to spend time with his team – well, that’s no ordinary boss. That’s family.

A Sentimental Goodbye (For Now)

As the afternoon light faded and the plates cleared, one thing was clear – none of us wanted the day to end. The laughter lingered, the photos were snapped, and memories were made that would stay with us far longer than any PowerPoint presentation.

Though Sir and Ma’am will soon return to Australia, their presence will be felt in the bonds we’ve formed and the stories we now share. We will miss them dearly, but more than anything, we will carry forward the spirit of unity they inspired. We’ve returned to our laptops and emails, yes – but with a renewed sense of belonging and connection.

So, here’s to the next meet and greet. May it be just as magical, just as heartwarming, and just as full of love (and food).

And finally – thank you, Partha Sir, for reminding us that behind every successful company is a leader who knows that a well-fed team is a happy team, and that laughter shared over lunch is sometimes the most productive meeting of all.

Until next time, with love from your SBA family.