A Legacy That Began with Giving Back
Among the many inspiring stories in IIT: The Story of India's Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem by Prabhat Kumar is one that resonates deeply with the IIT Kharagpur community—the story of Vinod Gupta (Agricultural Engineering, Class of 1967), whose vision forever changed the culture of alumni philanthropy across the IIT system.
"Vinod Gupta didn't just make history by giving back—he inspired generations of IIT alumni to view philanthropy as a responsibility and a privilege." Prabhat Kumar
The book describes Vinod Gupta as the pioneer who demonstrated that alumni giving is far more than an act of generosity—it is an investment in institution building. In 1993, his landmark $2 million gift established the Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM), the first business school in the IIT system, in a pioneering public-private partnership that inspired future generations of alumni to dream bigger and give back. His support also helped create the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, the only law school within the IIT system, further expanding IIT Kharagpur's academic horizons.
But the book goes beyond recounting donations. It tells the story of a young man from a small village in Uttar Pradesh who arrived at IIT Kharagpur with determination, earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1967, built a global business empire in the United States, and never forgot the institution that transformed his life. Gupta's philosophy has remained remarkably consistent: success carries with it the responsibility to create opportunities for others. His philanthropy, spanning education and healthcare in both India and the United States, reflects that lifelong commitment.
Today, Vinod Gupta continues to champion IIT Kharagpur as the Founder and a Board Member of the IITKGP Foundation (USA), helping strengthen ties between the Institute and its global alumni community while supporting transformational initiatives that benefit future generations of students. This year also marks another milestone in his remarkable journey as he celebrated his 80th birthday, providing alumni around the world an opportunity to recognize not only his extraordinary professional achievements but also his enduring commitment to giving back.
For IIT Kharagpur alumni, this chapter is especially meaningful. Vinod Gupta's example established a tradition that continues today through alumni-funded scholarships, hall renovations, student well-being initiatives, research centers, and academic programs. His legacy reminds us that the true measure of an alumnus is not only what they achieve professionally, but also what they leave behind for future generations.
As IIT: The Story of India's Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem chronicles the remarkable evolution of the IITs, it rightly recognizes Vinod Gupta as the alumnus who set the standard for giving back. His story is not simply part of IIT Kharagpur's history—it is a blueprint for its future, inspiring alumni everywhere to strengthen the institution that helped shape their own journeys.
Get Your Copy
Readers interested in exploring the fascinating history of the IIT ecosystem and the remarkable stories of its alumni—including the inspiring journey of Vinod Gupta—can purchase the book from:
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The IITKGP Foundation