News Category: Institute In News

The Institute’s illustrious alumni have contributed over the past several decades in diverse ways in terms of resources, time and their wisdom. In a very distinctive-of-its-kind donation, the Class of 1969 has added a vibrant chapter to the story of giving back to IIT Bombay.

During their reunion on campus, many of the alumni and their families noticed the bare walls of the Institute’s buildings and the guesthouse where they stayed. Inspired to make a meaningful contribution, 29 alumni members and their families came together to donate 70 paintings—turning blank walls into spaces brimming with life and creativity. In a very touching and heart-warming event held on campus on December 4^th in the Padma Vihar Guest House, the 1969 batch shared the treasures of their artistic talent with the Institute.

This initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Arun Joshi, goes beyond traditional philanthropy. Of the 70 paintings, 56 were created by the family members of the alumni themselves, offering not just art but a piece of their homes to their alma mater. This heartfelt gesture symbolizes a connection between them that will endure forever, as their creations become part of IIT Bombay’s landscape.

In addition, alumni who reside overseas purchased 11 paintings from the online art site Fizdi.com, which the batch recommends as an excellent resource for other alumni inspired to contribute. The batch also donated 3 paintings by other artists.

The Class of 1969 is heartened by the support shown by Dr. Sharad Saraf, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Bombay, and Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay. Both Dr. Saraf and Prof. Kedare emphasized the importance taking this initiative further and making the entire IIT Bombay campus more “artful” and aesthetic towards a clean, green and healthy ecosystem. The Class of 1969 also hopes that their endeavour will spark similar efforts from other batches to bring more colour and vibrancy to IIT Bombay’s campus. They further wish for Project Evergreen to consider incorporating art into the design of new hostel spaces for students.

See more donated art by the Class of 1969 here.

IIT Bombay is deeply grateful to the Class of 1969 for demonstrating how art can forge timeless connections. This remarkable gesture not only reflects the alumni’s unwavering love and loyalty to their alma mater but also their thoughtful commitment to creating an inspiring and vibrant environment for generations to come.

IIT Bombay commemorated National Education Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Independent India’s first Education Minister.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Prof. Vasudha Kamat, former Vice-Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, who emphasized the importance of education in shaping a progressive society.

The ceremony included the presentation of the Research Publication Awards 2023 and Impactful Research Awards to recognize exceptional contributions by IIT Bombay’s faculty:

Research Publication Awards 2023

• Prof. Samir Maji (Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering)
• Prof. Gopal Patil (Department of Civil Engineering)
• Prof. Supratik Chakraborty and Prof. S. Akshay (Department of Computer Science and Engineering)
• Prof. Aswani Yella (Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science)
• Prof. Harish Phuleria (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering)

Impactful Research Awards

• Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan (Department of Computer Science and Engineering)
• Prof. Sahana Murthy and Prof. Sridhar Iyer (Centre for Education Technology)

The celebration also spotlighted the achievements of IIT Bombay’s students. Prof. Pratibha Sharma, Associate Dean (Academic Programmes), introduced the Institute Academic Prizes and invited the awardees to receive their certificates.

This special occasion reinforced IIT Bombay’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and fostering academic and research excellence. By celebrating the accomplishments of its faculty and students, the Institute not only honours the legacy of education in India but also reaffirms its role as a leader in driving innovation and knowledge creation. Events like these inspire the IIT Bombay community to continue contributing meaningfully to the nation’s progress and shaping a brighter future for future generations.

IIT Bombay’s Central Library recently hosted a two-day Conclave on the “Future of Libraries” and the All IIT Librarians Meet 2024.

The event was Inaugurated by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, and brought together librarians from across the country to explore how libraries can adapt to evolving demands in the digital age while remaining essential institutions for societal progress.

In his opening address, Prof. Kedare highlighted libraries’ transformative role and potential as collaborative spaces to inspire students. Other speakers, including Prof. K.V.K. Rao and Prof. Irishi N. N. Namboothiri, addressed key issues such as the balance between physical and digital resources, the integration of advanced technologies like AI, and innovative research dissemination and open access strategies.

With a dynamic program of talks, panel discussions, and interactive activities like online quizzes and roadmap development sessions, the Conclave provided an engaging platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing. The event aligned with International Open Access Week, underscoring libraries’ vital role in educational, research, and cultural development.

For IIT Bombay’s alumni, the Conclave signals the Institute’s forward-thinking approach to evolving educational resources. By fostering collaboration and innovation among IIT librarians, IIT Bombay is committed to supporting future-ready learning environments that meet the needs of the next generation.

The Grid Integration Laboratory (GIL) at IIT Bombay, led by Prof. Zakir H. Rather, recently co-led a groundbreaking study on Security Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) at the state level—India’s first initiative of this kind. Titled Optimizing Power Dispatch: An Initiative Towards SCED Implementation in Maharashtra, this report was developed in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre (MSLDC), with guidance from industry veterans including Mr. Soonee Sushil Kumar, Mr. Debasis De, and Dr. Deb Chattopadhyay, as well as expert insights from the National and Western Regional Load Despatch Centers.

The report was released by Ms. Abha Shukla, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, CMD of MSETCL, and highlights critical interventions needed to ensure reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective power delivery for Maharashtra’s growing energy demands.

With this milestone, GIL builds on its longstanding commitment to pioneering sustainable energy research and fostering collaboration across academia and industry. Nestled in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, GIL has long been a pioneering force in sustainable energy research. It provides an inspiring, collaborative environment where academic and industry stakeholders converge to drive India’s progress toward energy efficiency, grid stability, and the electrification of transport. GIL focuses on high-impact research areas including renewable energy grid integration, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and power system dynamics, making it an essential contributor to India’s energy landscape.

This SCED study was made possible through the strong support of MSLDC’s Executive Director, Mr. Shashank Jewalikar, and core teams from both IIT Bombay and MSLDC. The initiative represents a major step forward in optimizing power dispatch and highlights the transformative potential of SCED in ensuring sustainable power management for Maharashtra.

You can access the full report here.

Collaborations like these underscore IIT Bombay’s pivotal role in advancing India’s energy future. By fostering strategic partnerships and empowering faculty with resources to lead pioneering research, IIT Bombay, and its Grid Integration Lab drive impactful solutions that set new benchmarks in sustainable energy. Together, they continue to strengthen the nation’s commitment to a resilient and economically efficient power sector.

IIT Bombay is delighted to announce the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) and Chapter Service Awards for 2024!

Our recipients for the DSA this year are:

• 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)

Our recipients for the CSA this year are:

• Mr. Rajesh Soy (B.Tech., Computer Science and Engineering, 1993; M.Tech., Computer Science and Engineering, 1997 -Chapter: Seattle, USA)
• Mr. Ranjan Ojha (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science, 1998 -Chapter: Chicago, USA)
• Ms. Shweta Bhandari (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering & 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 (EMBA, SJMSOM, 2016- Chapter: Hyderabad, India)
• Mr. Sunay Wagle (M.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 2017 – Chapter: Pune, India

The DSA was established in 1999 and honours the significant contributions of our alumni to their alma mater while the CSA honours select alumni for their sustained contribution to various alumni chapters’ progress. The CSA awardees work tirelessly to forge strong connections between the Institute and its alumni community.

Both the DSA and CSA awardees are chosen from nominations submitted by various stakeholders, including our alumni and faculty.  Both these awards are presented every year on IIT Bombay’s Alumni Day, to be held this year on December 29, 2024.

The ongoing support and dedication of IIT Bombay’s alumni have been pivotal in strengthening the Institute’s legacy of excellence and innovation. These awards represent a celebration of the deep bonds and lasting impact our alumni continue to make both within and beyond our campus community. As we honour these outstanding individuals on Alumni Day, IIT Bombay extends heartfelt gratitude to all its alumni for their contributions, reinforcing the spirit of community and collaboration that defines our alma mater.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the DSA and CSA for the ongoing and invaluable service to IIT Bombay!

IIT Bombay celebrated a momentous occasion with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new wing of Kendriya Vidyalaya on campus. The event was led by IIT Bombay’s Director, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, marking an exciting step toward enhancing educational infrastructure for future generations.

This project has been made possible through the generous contributions of KV IIT Powai alumni, Mr. Prashant Sharma, Mr. Himanshu Sharma, and trustees of the Smt. Durga Devi Sharma Charitable Trust, along with Mr. Narottam Sharma and Mr. Chandan Sharma from the Sharma Foundation. The new wing is dedicated to their grandfather, Pandit Chandrabhan Bhuramal Sharma, a freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in IIT Bombay’s early years by helping the institute acquire its land in 1957.

The new wing will provide much-needed learning spaces for students, continuing the legacy of educational excellence at IIT Bombay.

As IIT Bombay continues to grow and evolve, this new wing will stand as a symbol of the Institute’s commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a future of limitless possibilities. This initiative not only honours a legacy of service and contribution and with every brick laid, IIT Bombay moves closer to shaping a brighter tomorrow for our students and the nation.

As part of IIT Bombay’s prestigious Prof. C.N.R. Rao Distinguished Lecture series, Dr. S. Sampath recently delivered an enlightening talk on “Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces in Electrochemistry.” This event continued the tradition of the lecture series, established following the 2010 ICONSAT Conference, which has brought together leading researchers from around the globe in the fields of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Dr. Sampath, a distinguished Professor from the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry at IISc Bangalore, shared his expertise on the unique properties and challenges of nanostructured materials in electrochemistry. A recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and J.C. Bose Fellow, Dr. Sampath is highly regarded in scientific circles, holding fellowships with both Indian and international academies.

His lecture offered invaluable insights into current research questions and advancements in the field, leaving a lasting impact on the IIT Bombay community and underscoring the institute’s role in fostering critical scientific dialogue.

Dr. Sampath’s lecture was an impactful addition to the Prof. C.N.R. Rao Distinguished Lecture series, reinforcing IIT Bombay’s commitment to advancing knowledge in cutting-edge fields like nanotechnology. Through these lectures, IIT Bombay continues to foster meaningful exchanges that inspire research and innovation, positioning the Institute as a leader in scientific thought and collaboration.

IIT Bombay is delighted to announce the winners of the ACCESS 2024 (ACcelerating Climate, Energy & Sustainability Solutions) Awards Initiative, an exciting program aimed at fostering innovative solutions to tackle the critical challenges of climate change. This initiative is made possible through the generous support of alumni Vinaya Kapoor (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1992) and Dr. Samir Kapoor (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1992), whose commitment to sustainable development continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

The ACCESS Awards shine a spotlight on some of the most forward-thinking projects emerging from the IIT Bombay community, with two key themes for 2024:

• Climate Impacts and Adaptation
• Climate Mitigation and Finance.

The winners in both categories have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and a deep commitment to driving meaningful change in the fight against climate challenges.

The following teams picked up the top prizes for the theme of Climate Impacts and Adaptation:

• The First Prize was awarded to Team SMFI for their groundbreaking work in developing a soil moisture forecasting instrument.
• The Second Prize was claimed by Team ThermoWatch  for their vision of creating a web-based application to forecast extended heatwaves and assess their potential impact, offering a crucial tool for communities and governments to better prepare for extreme weather events.
  

In the category of Climate Mitigation and Finance, Team Nirvaan took the 1st Prize for their ambitious project: designing an ultra-low emission, gasification-based crematorium pyre. Their vision not only addresses the need for more sustainable cremation practices but also offers an innovative solution to reduce carbon emissions while preserving cultural traditions.

The ACCESS 2024 Awards are a testament to the incredible talent and drive of IIT Bombay’s students and researchers. With the unwavering support of alumni like Vinaya and Dr. Samir Kapoor, the institute continues to empower young innovators to make meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future. These winning projects stand as a powerful reminder that creative solutions to climate challenges can lead to lasting impact, and IIT Bombay is proud to be at the forefront of this global mission.

Join us in congratulating the winning teams and celebrating the bright future they are helping to build!

IIT Bombay proudly inaugurated its much-anticipated souvenir shop, adding a new dimension to the campus experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Located on the ground floor of the Gulmohar building, the shop offers a wide array of IIT Bombay-branded merchandise and memorabilia, serving as a tangible connection to the Institute’s legacy and a source of pride for the entire community.

The store is designed to provide patrons with a one-stop destination for purchasing keepsakes that reflect their time at IIT Bombay. From clothing and accessories to unique memorabilia, each item is a symbol of the institute’s excellence. For alumni, the shop brings back nostalgic memories of their time at IIT Bombay, while visitors can now take home a piece of the prestigious institution in the form of branded souvenirs.

This initiative also serves a broader purpose by promoting IIT Bombay’s brand identity and reinforcing its standing as one of India’s leading educational institutions. Students and alumni alike, especially when traveling abroad, will act as ambassadors of the Institute, helping to spread its reputation globally.

The souvenir shop is more than just a store; it is also a revenue-generating entity, with proceeds going toward student welfare, infrastructure development, and other campus improvement projects. By offering an array of thoughtfully curated items, the shop has quickly become a beloved addition to the IIT Bombay campus, enhancing the sense of belonging and connection among its community.