Archive · 5 Sep 2026
BITS Pilani’s Pappuji Reflects Five Decades Of Lifelong Bonds
Pappuji is the nickname of Kamal Kapoor, who has been part of BITS Pilani since 1975.
He runs a small canteen on the campus.
Many students used to visit him for tea, snacks, and long conversations.
Today, students may spend more time on phones and laptops, but they still meet around food during holidays.
Former students remember Pappuji even decades after graduating.
They invite him to alumni events in different cities.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, alumni offered him money, but he said he did not need it.
He said hugs from returning students made him happy.
His story shows how friendships can last much longer than college life.
Kamal Kapoor, known to generations of BITSians as Pappuji, has been associated with BITS Pilani since 1975.
Pappuji runs a small campus canteen where students gathered for chai, samosa, Maggi, and conversations.
Former students continue inviting him to BITS Alumni Association gatherings in Dubai, Hyderabad, Goa, and elsewhere.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, alumni offered financial support, but Pappuji declined, saying student affection mattered more than money.
BITS Pilani Vice Chancellor V. Ramgopal Rao said Pappuji’s story reflects the institute’s identity as an “ever-growing family.”
- Who
- Kamal Kapoor, known as Pappuji, and BITS Pilani Vice Chancellor V. Ramgopal Rao, along with generations of BITSians.
- What
- Rao shared a story about Pappuji’s five-decade relationship with students and alumni and the lasting community bonds formed at BITS Pilani.
- When
- Pappuji has been associated with BITS Pilani since 1975; Rao described meeting him in Pilani on September 3, 2026.
- Where
- BITS Pilani in Pilani, with alumni connections extending to Dubai, Hyderabad, Goa, and elsewhere.
- Why
- The story illustrates the enduring relationships and sense of family within the BITS Pilani community.
- Pappuji’s real name
- Kamal Kapoor
- Campus association
- Associated with BITS Pilani since 1975
- Role
- Runs a small canteen
- Remembered for
- Serving students and maintaining lifelong relationships with alumni
- Covid-19 response
- Declined financial support offered by alumni
- Alumni gatherings
- Dubai, Hyderabad, Goa, and beyond
- Institutional message
- BITS Pilani is described as an “ever-growing family”