IIT Bombay held its annual Alumni Day on December 29, 2024, at VMCC, beginning with a heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The event served as a reminder of IIT Bombay’s deep connection with national leaders and its ongoing commitment to excellence and service.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE ALUMNI DAY VIDEO

The day commenced with a warm welcome by Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR), who set the tone for the celebrations by emphasizing the significance of the alumni community in the Institute’s journey.

Following his address, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, took to the stage to highlight the Institute’s remarkable progress over the years, highlighting the milestones achieved through collaborative efforts with its alumni. Prof. Kedare, in his speech, eloquently noted, “Alumni are a big asset for IIT Bombay. They bring resources, expertise, and industry connections, enabling the establishment of Centers of Excellence, Chair Professorships, and enhanced infrastructure, while significantly contributing to student development.” His words resonated with the attendees, reinforcing the pivotal role alumni play in shaping the institute’s future.

Underscoring the importance of the occasion, the event was graced by the presence of senior faculty members, including:

–  Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation)
–  Prof. K. V. K. Rao, Deputy Director (Finance, Infrastructure, and Administration)
–  …and other Institute dignitaries.

A highlight of the day was the announcement by the Silver Jubilee Batch of 1999, which pledged a generous Rs. 21.2 crores towards its Legacy Project. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster academic programs and accelerate IIT Bombay’s mission of ranking among the world’s top 50 universities by 2030, demonstrating the batch’s enduring commitment to the Institute’s vision.

The celebrations also included the conferral of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award, instituted in 1999, which honours alumni who have excelled in their domains while making significant and lasting contributions to the advancement of the Institute. This year, the award was presented to:

    –  Mr. Rajindra Harcharan Singh (B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 1988)
    –  Mr. Sandeep Asthana (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1990)
    –  Mr. Sudhir Jayram Nikam (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1993)

Complementing this was the Chapter Service Awards, introduced during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which recognize alumni for their dedication to the progress of their Chapters and the Institute. This year’s distinguished awardees included:

    –  Mr. Rajesh Soy (B.Tech., 1993 and M.Tech., 1997, Computer Science and Engineering) – Chapter: Seattle, USA
    –  Mr. Ranjan Ojha (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, 1998) – Chapter: Chicago, USA
    –  Ms. Shweta Bhandari (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, 2002) – Chapter: Greater New York, USA
    –  Mr. Sagar Shah (Dual Degree, Chemical Engineering, 2008) – Chapter: Greater New York, USA
    –  Ms. Sita Mahalakshmi Durvasula (E-MBA, Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, 2016) – Chapter: Hyderabad, India
    –  Mr. Sunay Wagle (M.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 2017) – Chapter: Pune, India

In a gesture of gratitude, IIT Bombay unveiled a Donor Wall to honour its top donors of 2024, recognizing their unwavering support and contributions.

The Class of 1963 was also recognized for its support, with representative Dr. Dhirendranath N. Buragohain (former Dean of Planning, IIT Bombay, 1984-87, and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, 1988-91, and then the first Director of IIT Guwahati,  sharing fond memories of his undergraduate as well as faculty days at the Institute. His reflections resonated deeply with the audience, adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration and highlighting the Institute’s rich heritage.

Another milestone of the event was the launch of the 4th edition of the GO-IIT Bombay fundraising campaign. Alumna Ms. Zenobia Driver (M.Sc. Chemistry, 1998) presented an overview of Project Evergreen, a visionary initiative aimed at enhancing student housing facilities. Her presentation underscored IIT Bombay’s commitment to improving campus life and fostering a nurturing environment for its students.

The Alumni Day celebrations concluded with a sense of pride and camaraderie, bringing together alumni, faculty, and students to celebrate the Institute’s legacy and future aspirations.

IIT Bombay’s annual Alumni Day celebrations are a true reflection of the Institute’s enduring connection with its alumni, whose contributions continue to fuel its growth and global standing. This vibrant community of achievers not only symbolizes the Institute’s rich heritage but also embodies the collective spirit of giving back, ensuring that IIT Bombay remains a trailblazer in innovation and excellence for generations to come.

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