IIT Kharagpur Foundation (USA) NEWSLETTER

Volume: 9.1.2024

Dear Reader,

In this edition, we report on the 74th Foundation Day celebrations at IITKGP.

 IIT Kharagpur Celebrates 74th Foundation Day, Honoring Innovation and Legacy

IIT Kharagpur marked its 74th Foundation Day on August 18, 2024, with a grand celebration that underscored the institution’s significant contributions to education, research, and innovation. The event, held at the institute's campus, was particularly noteworthy as it coincided with India's 78th Independence Day, adding a patriotic dimension to the proceedings.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and the former CEO of NITI Aayog, who served as the chief guest. Kant was joined by S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, and Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, both of whom are alumni of the institute. Their presence underscored the institute’s longstanding tradition of producing leaders in science and technology.

The event began with the hoisting of the national flag and the institute flag, symbolizing IIT Kharagpur's pivotal role in shaping India's scientific and technological landscape. A series of awards were presented to recognize excellence among the institute's community. The Young Alumni Achiever Awards were given to 32 young alumni who have made significant contributions in fields such as innovation, technology, research, and community welfare. These awards highlight the impact of the institute’s graduates in various sectors, both nationally and globally.

Additionally, the Gitindra Saran Sanyal Faculty Excellence Awards were presented to nine faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance in their respective fields. Thirty staff members received the Staff Excellence Awards for their exceptional service, and a special recognition was given to 74 employees who have completed 25 years of dedicated service to the institute.

The Nina Saxena Excellence in Technology Award was also conferred upon Pankaj Kumar and Siddhant Aagrwal from IIT Guwahati for their pioneering work in floating solar PV technology. This award highlights the institute’s commitment to recognizing and fostering technological innovation that has practical and impactful applications.

In his address, Amitabh Kant emphasized the need for India to become an innovation hub and called for stronger collaborations between academia, research institutions, and industry. He highlighted the critical role that institutions like IIT Kharagpur play in driving India’s technological and economic growth, particularly through applied research and market-oriented innovation. Kant also stressed the importance of creating high-quality patents that can lead to commercially viable innovations, thereby giving India a competitive edge on the global stage.

The event also included the launch of the "Gurudakshina" initiative, where alumni are encouraged to contribute financially to the institute. This initiative aims to make IIT Kharagpur self-reliant and support various student activities and infrastructural developments on campus.

Overall, IIT Kharagpur’s 74th Foundation Day was a momentous occasion that celebrated the institution’s rich legacy while looking ahead to its future contributions to India and the world. The event highlighted the institute's role in fostering innovation, producing leaders, and driving technological advancements that have a lasting impact on society.

(Image source: Career360.com)