In this edition of “Chai Aur Samose Pe Charcha,” we have the privilege of speaking with Distinguished Alumnus, Mr. Suhas Narayan Mehta (B.Tech., Civil Engineering, 1983). Mr. Mehta has made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering and infrastructure in India. In this candid conversation, he shares his cherished memories from his time at IIT Bombay, reflects on the role the Institute played in shaping his professional career, and discusses his ongoing efforts to give back to his alma mater.

Join us as we delve into the experiences and insights of a true IIT Bombay stalwart.

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Thank you for speaking to the Dean ACR newsletter, Mr. Mehta. We would like to start with a question that we ask all our alumni. Can you share any fun memories associated with IITB’s chai and samosa when you were a student?

Thanks for inviting me over to Chai Aur Samosa Pe Charcha. I remember a popular shop in front of Main Gate selling the same. I have many memories from Treasure Hunt to going to Huma and Heena in Modern Bread’s delivery vehicle to watch Ramsey Brother’s movies associated with that period.

Mr. Mehta at his Convocation Ceremony and At his Val function

Great! How wonderful to hear about these memories from your time as a student at the Institute. Speaking of the same, can you talk to us about the role that IIT Bombay played in shaping your professional career, specifically regarding the skillsets and knowledge you gained?

Today, what I am is mainly due to the five years I spent at IIT. This must be true with 90% alums. IITB faculty and hostel life taught me to think analytically and develop a fighting spirit.  I am happy that I could deploy the technical knowledge I got at IIT Bombay in the field. The confidence in executing challenging works is only because of the art we learnt at IIT Bombay to tackle the problems. Every lecture at IIT was like a light bulb turning on, making me more aware of the environment around me.

You are right. Almost every alumnus has similar feelings about their time at IIT Bombay. Were there any professors or courses at IIT Bombay that had a significant impact on you?

There are many professors. To name a few – Prof. Pani, Prof. Venkatachalam, Prof. Guruji, and Prof. K D Joshi had a significant impact on my life. The PH 301 course gives me nightmares even today. My batchmates also made a huge impact on my development. I was in a Tutorial batch which had toppers from all branches. Observing their performance and knowledge, I got chavied (चाव्हिड) to perform better. A few of these batchmates have become lifetime family friends.

After graduating from the Institute, you chose to stay back in India and work in the field of civil engineering while many of your contemporaries moved overseas. Can you take us through your thought process for making this decision?

My parents had seen poverty but never let it affect us during our education. I was very clear that I had to stay with them and give them the best possible life in their old age. I had decided to enter into business one day and the initial finance requirement for civil works was minimal. I had clarity on what I wanted to do with my life and was not influenced by a better lifestyle or monetary gains, overseas.

That is truly inspiring, Mr. Mehta! So, your company was in the news recently for undertaking the repair of the famous Barfiwala flyover in Andheri, Mumbai. Can you take us through the whole process?

The mismatch of levels of Gokhale Bridge and Barfiwala Bridge had become a subject of joke on social media. BMC had requested VJTI for a solution to this problem. It was thought of demolishing this part and reconstructing it. However, this was an extremely time-consuming and costly option. Another solution discussed was to make the new profile by loading the bridge with concrete. This too was kept aside as the existing bridge was not designed for this load. Finally, it was decided that the profile would be matched by lifting four continuous spans of the Barfiwala Bridge.  BMC then asked for suggestions on the agency capable of taking up such a risky job at short notice. My company’s name was recommended and I decided to take up this challenge. We had a few meetings with Prof. Bambole of VJTI and Prof. Goyal of IITB to finalise the methodology. We were given 90 days to complete the job, I am happy to state that we completed it in 78 days by meticulous planning and execution. Differential lifting of 3000 plus MT bridge spans, without developing any permanent distress by hydraulic jacks was a risky operation. The most crucial part was finalising the positions of jacks and for that, you need experience and understanding of the behaviour of the structure. Rest is all in the news.

900 MLD WTP Visit

You have successfully completed numerous prestigious projects, including the largest water treatment (WTP) plant in Asia. How do you approach innovation and sustainability in your projects, especially those related to water and waste management?

I believe that NETWORK is NETWORTH. The opportunity to execute the largest WTP in Asia came through Suez Ltd, (then Degremont Ltd). It is a French company that is also the world’s second-largest water company that constructed the famous Suez Canal. The latest technology was made available to us and the association has developed over ten marquee projects in India. The Solid Waste Management and Treatment was posed as a challenge by our Late Manohar Parrikarji. Goa being a tourist destination, wanted a clean environment and MSW was one of the biggest problems. On his insistence, we started working on technology that can treat the waste scientifically and today we have the best plants in India in operation at Goa. I have executed a project of replacing all the street lights in Jaipur and saved 82% of electricity. We converted sewage to potable grade water for RCF, Chembur which was a scarce commodity for them. The fertilizer production has increased so much that the company is a Navratna company today. To summarise, the compulsion, scarcity, and need are the reasons for any such development in India.

Playing Cards at H5

You have been actively involved with the infrastructure activities at IIT Bombay. Your company SMC Infrastructures was responsible for the H5 renovation at the Institute. What does philanthropy and giving back mean to you? Why was it important for you to give back to the Institute?

We have spent the best five years of our life at the Institute and hostel. The infrastructure available in 1978 was sufficient for the then student’s strength. However, today it is insufficient even after adding a few hostels. The Institute has limited funds to construct new hostels. We noticed that at H5, there were two students in one room with hardly any space to accommodate their belongings and study at the same time. Moreover, the restrooms/toilets were still the same numbers for double the number of students. The demolition and construction of the new H5 were not planned for another 10 years. We convinced the IITB authorities that we have all the required technical and execution expertise within the Alumni and can provide better amenities at a much lesser cost if H5 alums are allowed to take full charge of development. This was the start of Project Evergreen and the alumni community could see where their donations were getting used. This has created a positive wave in all alums for donating to projects at the Institute. We tried to provide additional space for study and more basic required amenities. All that is extra, with you after your needs are fulfilled and should be used for the best purpose and this was one of them.

Shifting gears, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

I had an interest in playing Bridge, but ended up constructing a few of them!

I am happy to share that our teammate Mr. Sandeep Karmarkar has gone ahead and won the International Championship. Today my main interest is to guide fresh entrepreneurs and help a few establishments engaged in social work. I develop relations with people in various fields and maintain them. My main interest lies in exploring India.

Can you share some of your fun and memorable experiences at IIT Bombay?

There are many funny memories of that period. The monkeys were getting healthier from the capsules given by Dr. Puniyani along with med-cert after bunking the tests. The full-day gaali fight with H9, which we always won! While H9 had more PGs, we were more innovative! I had gained some popularity on campus after I had defended a cow attack for almost twenty minutes. As a student from rural Marathi medium education, I tried to hide behind someone sitting in the front so that the Professor would not ask me any questions! Watching movies in Convo and shouting ads in between was really fun. And now to be awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Distinguished Service Award in the same Convo has brought life to a full circle.

Receiving the RCF Award from the Hon. Minister Mandaviya

Do you have any success mantras you would like to share with us to inspire the current generation of IIT Bombay students?

Unfortunately, the current generation is more interested in the financial package and fast money. We hardly notice anyone trying to develop the business houses and overall development of the nation. I wish we had more entrepreneurs from IITB than the many of them who are happy to work for others. IITB and success go hand in hand. If an IITB graduate is not going to be successful then, who can?

Finally, what advice would you give to our alumni regarding giving back to their alma mater and the nation?

Our alumnae are our greatest strength. We need to show from our actions, what we can do for our alma mater and the nation. Every small thing we can do will add to a huge joint contribution. We should take a personal interest in it. The action by influential alumnae has a major impact on bringing the change in the overall mindset. We should understand that our alma mater needs us to produce more like us.

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Mr. Suhas Narayan Mehta’s journey from a student at IIT Bombay to a leader in civil engineering exemplifies the transformative power of the Institute’s education and community. His dedication to his family, commitment to his country, and unwavering support for his alma mater are truly inspiring. Through his innovative projects and philanthropic efforts, Mr. Mehta continues to embody the values of excellence, leadership, and social responsibility that IIT Bombay instils in its students. We hope his story encourages current students and alumni to pursue their passions, contribute to society, and support the growth and development of IIT Bombay.

 

 

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