Kick-Off Event of Nehru Hall's Modernization Project a Huge Success
Information provided by IITKGP Foundation USA (March 30, 2022)
On March 29, 2022, IIT-Kharagpur Nehru Hall of residence held a kick-off event to set in motion their major modernization efforts. The ceremony took place in the C Ground of the Hall with Director V.K. Tewari, who was also a Nehruite, joining as the Chief Guest. The event was organized and funded by Nehru Hall alumni and offered virtual streaming, via Zoom and YouTube, so that Nehruites could join from all corners of the world.
Ron (Ranbir) Gupta (1970, AR), President of the IITKGP Foundation USA and President of PanIIT USA, introduced the emcee, Mr. Vinod Jain (1970, CE). Mr. Jain continued the event by welcoming the distinguished guests to the event, which included Director V.K. Tewari, Deputy Director Amit Patra, Dean of Outreach Jayanta Mukhopadhyay, previous Dean of Alumni Affairs Subrata Chattopadhyay, and Warden of Nehru Hall Prof. Dibakar Dhara. Once introductions were complete, the distinguished guests along with alumni and students, lit diyas to formally launch the project.
Ron Gupta then spoke on the project, giving attendees an overview of how an idea grew into where we currently are. C.N. Raghavendran (1965, AR) gave a brief presentation on the designs of the rooms, while Partha Chakravorty (Patel), who is serving as the project manager, gave an update on the construction sequence with the mock-up rooms and the remodel moving forward.
Varadu Seshamani (1969, ME), President of the Foundation in India, apprised the attendees of the INR contributions that have already been made (≈6 Lakhs) and how to make a donation in INR, and Erin L. Moran, Executive Director of the IITKGP Foundation USA, updated all on the amount committed in USD (≈$400,000), along with providing more information on ways to give back in USD.
The next segment of the program allowed for alumni to speak on the nostalgia that Nehru Hall and this project has brought back. Sukhminder Grewal (1970, ME), Shiladitya Basu (1999, AE), Prasad Menon (1968, ME), and Pronob Guha (1969, EE), were the alumni that shared memories, wisdoms, and words of encouragement for the campaign.
After the alumni spoke, it was time to welcome the current Nehruites to speak. The General Secretary of Alumni Affairs for Nehru Hall, Devesh Gobind, helped identify the current students who would speak and played a key role in coordinating all the activities that took place at IIT Kharagpur for the event. In addition to the Nehruites speaking, Devaki Nandana Vardhineedi, the first female VP of Technology Students’ Gymkhana spoke.
Director Tewari was invited to address the group and shared his appreciation for the project, saying that he hopes that other halls follow in the example of Nehru and use this project as a model for hall renovations. Upon completion of his address, the ribbon cutting took place with an additional element of the painting of “Nehru Ka Tempo” on a canvas—marking the true beginning of this project!
Warden Dibakar Dhara gave a vote of thanks to all attendees and wished everyone a nice evening. As the event concluded, the Nehru Hall Ka Tempo jingle played for all to hear!
It was a successful event that allowed Nehruites and all KGPians to catch a glimpse of the exciting plans for the Nehru Hall modernization efforts. You can view a recording of the event by clicking the below button.