A Note of Gratitude and Farewell from Prof. Ravindra Gudi

Dear alumni and friends,

As I complete my term as Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations this July 2025, I find myself reflecting on these past few years with immense gratitude. Serving in this capacity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

It has been a very enriching time for me to serve you as the Dean (ACR) over the last 3.5 years. While IIT Bombay is blessed with several illustrious and passionate alumni who care deeply for their alma mater, the Institute is also being served by highly talented faculty who have taken the Institute’s stature to much greater heights. I have had the privilege of experiencing both these strengths of the Institute during my term. The collective strength of both these entities has built a very strong brand for the Institute.

Over the past three-and-a-half years, I have had the privilege of connecting with so many of you, hearing your stories, sharing your pride in IIT Bombay, and witnessing the incredible ways in which you continue to give back, whether through your time, your ideas, your support for students and faculty, or your commitment to strengthening our community. These contributions have not only shaped the Institute’s present but also laid the foundation for an even brighter future. Together, we have launched new initiatives, expanded our global alumni networks, and found meaningful ways to strengthen our ties to the Institute. Your enthusiasm and generosity have always been a constant source of inspiration, and I feel fortunate to have been part of this enriching journey.

This role has also shaped me personally and professionally in ways I am still discovering. It has taught me valuable lessons, brought me closer to the IIT Bombay family, and given me moments I will always cherish. To all of us alumni, the Institute has been a kalpavriksha that has nurtured our growth and made us accomplished individuals. It is our collective responsibility to preserve the ability of our alma mater to nurture current and future generations of students. As I reflect back, I feel privileged to have served as a gatekeeper who has simply opened the floodgates of alumni’s love and attachment to the Institute to support its growth. For that pleasant responsibility, I feel blessed and remain deep in gratitude to all of you.

Prof. Upendra V. Bhandarkar

Before I say goodbye, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Prof. Upendra V. Bhandarkar as the new Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations. A distinguished faculty member in Mechanical Engineering and a proud IIT Bombay alumnus himself, Prof. Bhandarkar brings deep insight, commitment, and global experience to this role. I am confident that he will lead the office with the same spirit of openness and collaboration that our alumni community has always valued. I hope you will extend to him the same warmth and support that you so generously offered me. I wish him every success as he begins this new chapter.

Working alongside you has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role. I leave with a heart full of memories and a deep sense of pride in what we have built together. I look forward to staying connected, watching the Institute continue to grow, and cheering you on in all your endeavours. Thank you for your warmth, your generosity, and above all, your love for IIT Bombay.

It has truly been an honour.

With my best wishes always,

Prof. Ravindra D. Gudi, PhD, FNAE, FNASc, FIIChE
Dean – Alumni and Corporate Relations
Institute AI & ML Chair Professor