IIT Bombay paid tribute to one of its founding professors, the late Prof. Dr. RS Ayyar, by planting a tree in his name in the Civil Engineering Department. Prof. Ayyar, who served as the former Head of the Department and Dean of Academic Programmes, was remembered for his significant contributions to the Institute.

The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of his daughter, Ms. Ranjani Saigal (B. Tech., Civil Engineering, 1981), an alumna of IIT Bombay . Ms. Ranjani was deeply moved by the gesture and said,  “It’s so exciting for me to be here to start out this process of dedicating a few things to my father. He was someone who deeply cared about the department and IITB so much. To have a tree planted in his name, which the horticulturist assures me is a Bakul tree, is truly special. To know that as the tree grows and blesses us with its fragrant flowers…I appreciate the gesture.”

She also mentioned that additional steps are being taken to further honour her father’s legacy. Her mother has generously donated in his name to establish a chair professorship and a dedicated room at IIT Bombay, with the inauguration of these initiatives set for a future date. The tree planting, however, marked a meaningful beginning to the tribute.

This heartfelt commemoration of Prof. Dr. RS Ayyar reflects the enduring connection between IIT Bombay and its alumni, who continue to shape the Institute’s legacy. With initiatives like these, IIT Bombay not only celebrates the contributions of its past members but also honours their lasting impact, ensuring that they are never forgotten.