INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS PART – 2

2 Oct 2025

IIT Bombay Celebrates National Librarian’s Day

The Central Library of IIT Bombay celebrated National Librarian’s Day on campus to mark the 133rd birth anniversary of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the Father of Library Science in India. Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, welcomed the Chief Guest, Dr. Jagdish Arora, who delivered a keynote address on “Beyond Books and Journals: Role of AI in the Future of Academic Libraries.” Dr. Arora highlighted how AI is transforming libraries through smarter discovery, virtual assistants, automated cataloguing, robotics, and large-scale digitisation—while reaffirming that the mission of libraries remains connecting people with knowledge.


Other distinguished guests attending the function included:

  • Prof. K. V. K. Rao (Deputy Director, FIA)
  • Prof. Nand Kishore (Dean, Administrative Affairs)
  • Prof. Raghunath Chelakkot (Library Committee Convenor)
  • Shri Ganesh Bhorkade (Registrar)
  • Dr. Manju Naika (Chief Library Officer)

The celebration blended tradition and innovation, beginning with a lamp-lighting and tribute to Dr. Ranganathan. The leadership then emphasised reimagining libraries as vibrant spaces for learning, discovery, and collaboration in the AI era. The event concluded with a shared vision of libraries as vital, evolving institutions shaping our society’s future.

The event underscored IIT Bombay’s vision of libraries as evolving spaces that support education, research, and discovery. It was a fitting tribute to Dr. Ranganathan’s legacy and a reflection of the Institute’s commitment to shaping the future of knowledge.

Central Library Holds Book Exhibition 2025

The Central Library at IIT Bombay inaugurated its Book, e-Book, and e-Resources Exhibition-cum-Sale 2025 in the Library Conference Hall. The event was graced by:

  • Prof. Nand Kishore (Dean, Administrative Affairs)
  • Prof. Raghunath Chelakkot (Convenor, Library Committee)
  • Mr. Ganesh Bhorkade (Registrar)
  • Dr. Manju Naika (Chief Library Officer)

In his welcome address, Dr. Naika highlighted that the exhibition is an annual celebration of knowledge and reading. This year, 14 publishers, vendors, and distributors showcased a wide range of books and e-resources spanning Engineering, Sciences, Technology, Management, Humanities, Arts, Literature, Children’s Books, and Biographies. He emphasized its role in promoting reading habits and providing the IIT Bombay community with access to the latest academic and general resources.

Prof. Nand Kishore stressed the importance of inclusive collections that support research, teaching, and administrative needs, while also preserving archives and highlighting works authored by IIT Bombay scholars. Prof. Chelakkot appreciated the library’s efforts in connecting publishers with users, and Mr. Bhorkade encouraged the IIT Bombay community to actively participate.

The exhibition underscored IIT Bombay’s commitment to fostering a vibrant academic and intellectual culture, providing students, faculty, and staff with access to cutting-edge resources, and promoting a lifelong love for learning across disciplines.

Celebrating Excellence: IIT Bombay Honours Outstanding Non-Teaching Staff

IIT Bombay recognized the outstanding contributions of its deserving non-teaching staff with the IIT Bombay Staff Excellence Award (IITB-SEA). Selection of the awardees was based solely on the information provided as part of the nomination process.

The awards included the following categories:

Individual awards (cash award of Rs. 25,001 each and a certificate of recognition)

  • Ms. Tabassum Majgaonkar (Academic Office)
  • Mr. Praveen Naik (Office of Director)
  • Ms. Seema Pardeshi (Department of Chemistry)
  • Mr. Vidyadhar Vishnu Kamble (Department of Electrical Engineering)

Team award (one team consisting of the following staff and a cash award of Rs. 10,001 and a certificate of recognition)

  • Ms. Seena Shyjo (Faculty and Support Services)
  • Ms. Archita Patkar (Faculty and Support Services)
  • Ms. Devika Shetye (Accounts)
  • Ms. Vasudha Khapre (Accounts)
  • Ms. Sudha Ambekar (Accounts)

Lifetime Staff Excellence Award (cash award of Rs. 1,00,001 and a certificate of recognition)

  • Dr. Nayan S. Dabholkar (Hospitality)

The awards highlight IIT Bombay’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing the dedication, professionalism, and invaluable contributions of its non-teaching staff, reinforcing the Institute’s culture of excellence and community.

Project Titanium: Calling IITB Alumni to Lead the Charge in Innovation

IIT Bombay’s alumni have made waves across industries, building groundbreaking companies and driving innovation globally. Now, we want your support to guide the next generation of tech pioneers at your alma mater.

Project Titanium is transforming cutting-edge research into successful startups, and we need your expertise to take these ventures to the next level.

We invite you to step up as a business cofounder or mentor to guide our first cohort of IP innovators. With your proven experience, leadership, and insight, you can shape the future of deep-tech ventures emerging from IIT Bombay, and drive real-world impact in the process.

Click here for more details on Project Titanium

How to Get Involved: If you’re a visionary entrepreneur or seasoned industry leader ready to leave a legacy of innovation, Project Titanium wants you. Join this exciting journey by filling out the following form where you can specify whether you’d like to become a cofounder or mentor, share your expertise, and indicate the areas you’re passionate about working in. 

Click here for the form

For further inquiries, please get in touch with Jayshree Nayak, Program Director | Titanium at:

Email: jayshree.nayak@sineiitb.org  
Phone: +91 99875 90839

IIT Bombay Champions Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

IIT Bombay observed the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking), a national initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the Nodal Ministry for Drug Demand Reduction, focused on achieving a drug-free India. This flagship campaign aims to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse among the citizens.

Dr. Shilpa Adarkar, Additional Professor at Seth GSMC and KEM Hospital, an expert in psychiatry and addiction medicine with over 27 years of experience, delivered the keynote address themed “Get High on Life, Not on Drugs” during the event. The keynote aimed to build awareness, dispel myths, and encourage sensitive conversations around substance use and mental health, as part of the Institute’s Mission–Drug Free Campus. In her address, she emphasized viewing addiction as a health condition.

Highlights of the session included:

  • Insights into brain functioning, substance dependence, and stages of vulnerability.
  • Early identification and timely intervention strategies, especially relevant in academic settings.
  • Clarification of myths and misconceptions through scientific evidence and case studies.
  • Practical approaches to treatment, recovery, and relapse prevention.
  • The role of empathy, family, and community support in overcoming addiction.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants discussed peer influence, family support, and sustainable prevention methods.

Many Institute dignitaries attended the event, including:

  • Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla, Dean (Student Affairs), who felicitated the Chief Guest.
  • Prof. Atul Srivastava, Associate Dean (Student Affairs), felicitated Dr. Jahnavi Kedare, Professor (Additional) at GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, who honoured the occasion with her presence.

The observance of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at IIT Bombay served as a powerful reminder that awareness, empathy, and timely action are key to addressing substance abuse. By engaging experts, faculty, and students alike, the Institute reaffirmed its resolve to nurture a drug-free, safe, and supportive campus community.

IIT Bombay Celebrates National Sports Day

IIT Bombay celebrated National Sports Day on campus with a vibrant line-up of events organised by the Institute’s Sports Council. In line with the theme एक घंटा खेल के मैदान में (Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein), the day brought together students, faculty, and sports enthusiasts to promote the spirit of fitness, teamwork, and active lifestyles through a series of engaging activities across multiple sports. These included:

  • Kabaddi workshop: Introducing participants to techniques and strategies of the traditional sport.
  • 3v3 Basketball Tournament: Fostering mixed gender sports on the court.
  • Mixed Hockey League: Encouraging inclusivity and teamwork in a fast-paced format.
  • Wall Slam in Lawn Tennis: Testing endurance and precision among players.
  • Body Composition Camp: Offering BMI, fat percentage, and health screenings to promote physical awareness, along with guidance on improving them.

A standout moment of the celebrations was the partnership with Red Bull, which brought Indian badminton star Mr. Lakshya Sen to campus. He gave an inspiring talk to students and showcased his skills in an exhibition match against IIT Bombay’s Inter-IIT badminton team, captivating the audience.

The strong turnout across events highlighted the rising recognition of sports as a vital part of a balanced lifestyle, a spirit that IIT Bombay actively champions on campus. Beyond academics and mental fitness, the Institute prioritizes physical well-being, fostering holistic growth and ensuring students thrive in mind, body, and spirit.