
IIT Kharagpur Foundation (USA)
NEWSLETTER
Volume: 8.2.2025
Dear Reader,
In 1990, IITKGP's RK Hall faced a hunger crisis—but one student’s act of courage and community sparked a legacy that still endures. On April 10 each year, RKites honor Anton Pios, the boy who cooked, with feasts, laughter, and five golden rasgullas. Discover in today's newsletter how a simple act became a beloved tradition. Additionally, we also spotlight IITKGP Professor Jyotsna Dutta Majumdar who is engineering the future of light with her research.
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Anton Pios Day: The Legend of IITKGP RK HALL's Unsung Hero
In the enchanted land of IIT Kharagpur stands the grand Radhakrishnan Hall of Residence. The hall has housed many legendary Kgpians whose names would take another tale to tell. This story is about an RKite, who has a day named after him: Anton Pios.
In the year 1990, a dark shadow fell upon the hall. The mess workers, in protest, had ceased their duties, leaving the students to face hunger and despair. Many young scholars, weak from lack of food, feared they would not endure the ordeal.
Anton Pios, with a heart full of compassion, refused to let his fellow hallmates suffer. Gathering the wise and strong hall seniors, he declared, ‘Thou shalt not go hungry.’
And so, they rolled up their sleeves, lit the fires, and cooked great feasts. Their unity and defiance against adversity became a tale whispered through the halls of IITKGP, a tale of resilience, of community, and of undying spirit.
To honor this noble deed, the RKites established a tradition. Every year, on April 10, they celebrate Anton Pios Day, a festival of gratitude and camaraderie. On this day, the seniors shower their juniors with special feasts and, most wondrous of all, bundles of five golden Rasgullas, a sweet reminder of the sweetness of unity.
Through laughter and shared meals, the bond between seniors and juniors grows stronger, weaving a legacy that passes from one generation to the next. The spirit of Anton Pios lives on, a beacon of hope and solidarity in the heart of RK Hall. This day embodies the Anton Pios' the spirit of selflessness, initiative, and community-mindedness that continues to be celebrated and cherished in Radhakrishnan Hall
And so, the tale is told, the feast is shared, and the legend endures, for a long, long time etched in the memories of RKites.
Long live the legacy of Anton Pios!
[NB: Original Story Source: Awaaz, IIT Kharagpur; Image Credits: Dall-E, Awaaz, IIT Kharagpur].
Spotlight on Faculty Research:
Professor Jyotsna Dutta Majumdar
From laser 3D printing defense-grade components to crafting eco-friendly composites with coconut shell ash, Jyotsna Dutta Majumdar merges cutting-edge innovation with sustainability. With an h-index of 47, Prof. Majumdar is listed in Elsevier's top 2% researchers globally across disciplines.

A trailblazer in metallurgy, Prof. Majumdar harnesses lasers to transform metals into supermaterials. Her patented techniques fortify aerospace alloys and biomedical implants against wear, corrosion, and extreme heat.
Explore the work of Professor Jyotsna Dutta Majumdar: https://www.jduttamajumdar.in/
Your words could mean the world—drop a note to the professor who inspired you!
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The IITKGP Foundation is registered as a non-profit organization with the US Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions to the IITKGP Foundation are tax-deductible for only US taxpayers. Our US Federal Tax ID is: 47-0747227