DEAN ACR NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2024

From the Dean's Desk April-2024

Prof. Ravindra D. Gudi

Ph.D., FNAE and FIIChE
Dean – Alumni and Corporate Relations
Institute AI & ML Chair Professor

“

Dear Alumnus/Alumna,

 

“The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.”

— Mark Twain

 

As Mark Twain reminds us, April heralds a moment of reflection, prompting us to ponder the values we uphold daily. At IIT Bombay, this sentiment resonates profoundly as we steadfastly champion excellence, innovation, and community throughout each passing day. April is also when our students navigate the final stretch of the semester with determination, while our graduating cohort prepares to enter the professional world and embrace the myriad challenges facing them. Their hard work and dedication stand as a testament to their character, and I am deeply inspired and immensely proud of their accomplishments.

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Hon’ble President Of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Dedicates Anti-Cancer CAR-T Cell Therapy - Nexcar19 - To The Nation



The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, alongside the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bais, ceremoniously dedicated the new anti-cancer CAR-T cell therapy, NexCAR19, to the nation. The event took place in the presence of distinguished guests including Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay, and Prof. Sudeep Gupta, Director, Tata Memorial Centre. Also present were key contributors - Prof. Rahul Purwar, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, Dr. Hasmukh Jain and Dr. (Surg Cdr) Gaurav Narula from the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai

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SPECIAL REPORT : FOUNDATION DAY 2024

Leadership and Legacy: Highlights from IIT Bombay's Foundation Day 2024

IIT Bombay celebrated its annual Foundation Day on March 7, 2024, on campus. Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. His presence added distinction to the celebration, emphasizing the importance of scientific leadership in shaping the future.

Encouraging attendees to transition from a service-oriented economy to a product-focused one, Prof. Sood emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts. He said, "To attain these objectives, academia, industry, startups, MSMEs, and both central and state governments must join forces in the years ahead."

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IITB MERCHANDISE E-STORE

IITB Merchandise - Where Memories Meet Fashion!

Relive precious campus memories
In these stylish hoodies and tees

Cherish the IITB connect
With these cool fridge magnets

Stroll around with swag
In these trendy caps

Not just merchandise
But symbols of our legacy

Flaunt it all with pride
Celebrate the spirit of IITB

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STUDENT SUCCESS STORY

Innovation in Agri-Tech: IIT Bombay's C-TARA Team Triumphs in National Grand Onion Challenge

In the heart of technological innovation, the C-TARA (Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas) team from IIT Bombay has recently achieved a remarkable feat by emerging as the victor in the prestigious National Grand Onion Challenge.

In this exclusive Q&A session with the winning team members, we delve into their journey, the intricacies of their winning solution, and the impactful research led by Prof. Amit Arora's group in the realm of agricultural technology.

Congratulations on your victory in the National Grand Onion Challenge! Can you tell us more about the competition?
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In Memoriam: Dr. T. N. Subramaniam



It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to one of our own, Dr. T. N. Subramaniam (B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 1971), an illustrious alumnus of IIT Bombay. Dr. Subramaniam passed away in Michigan, USA, at the age of 76.

Dr. Subramaniam's pioneering contributions in the fields of mathematics, automotive technology, and computer science have left an indelible mark on the world stage.

Dr. Subramaniam's journey began at IIT Bombay, where he distinguished himself both as a student and later as a lecturer. He played an integral role in shaping the cultural fabric of the Institute, notably contributing to the creation of Mood Indigo, the hallmark annual cultural festival of IITB.

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INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS

NR Kamath Distinguished Lectures: Unravelling Geophysics and Navigating Biotech Frontiers 

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Trailblazing Women Charting New Paths: The Radhika Rajan Women Leadership Lecture Series

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Celebrating International Women's Day at IIT Bombay: Embracing Strength and Progress

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Advancing Scientific Frontiers: IIT Bombay Unveils Cutting-Edge National Cryogenic Electron Microscope Facility

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Forging Partnerships: IIT Bombay Explores Collaborations with Ministry of Steel

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IIT Bombay Faculty Earns Accolades

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Upcoming Events
Alumination 2025

The Student Alumni Relations Cell (SARC) presents Alumination 2025 – IIT Bombay’s flagship alumni–student connect. Join us on 2nd November 2025 for a day of insightful interactions, mentorship, networking, and celebrations with our esteemed alumni community. Together, let’s strengthen the bond that makes IIT Bombay truly special. Date: November 2, 2025Venue: IIT Bombay Campus

Day & Date: Nov 02 - Nov 02, 2025
Venue: IIT Bombay Campus
Alumni Day

IIT Bombay will celebrate its annual Alumni Day in December. All of IIT Bombay’s alumni are invited to come by and reminisce about their time spent on campus and share their memories of their beloved Institute. A series of events will be held for alumni and their family members during the celebration. Date: December 28, 2025Time: 1:00 […]

Day & Date: December 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Venue: IIT Bombay Campus
Hostel Celebration Day

Join us on 20th December 2025 for the Hostels 4, 6, and 9 Reunion at IIT Bombay. Reconnect with friends and revisit cherished corners. Celebrate the spirit of hostel life through fun activities, nostalgic moments, and an evening of music and laughter. Stay overnight to truly relive the hostel experience. Don’t miss it! Hostel 4 […]

Day & Date: December 20, 2025
Venue: IIT Bombay Campus
IITB Chapter Meets – Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune

IIT Bombay is excited to host a series of Alumni Chapter Meets across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune over the coming months. Join us to reconnect with fellow alumni, celebrate the IITB spirit, and be part of engaging conversations and networking opportunities in your city! Bengaluru: Date: November 15 or 16, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM to […]

Day & Date: Nov 15 - Dec 13, 2025
Venue: TBD
Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM) – 30-Year Reunion and 30th Anniversary

IIT Bombay’s SJMSOM will celebrate its 30-year reunion and 30th anniversary in November 2025. The celebrations will include high-impact forums and panel discussions with leaders across sectors, followed by alumni-led reflections on management education. The Alumni Reunion will include a “Reconnect & Celebrate” session, a nostalgic campus exploration tour, and an evening off-campus networking dinner. Date: […]

Day & Date: November 1, 2025
Venue: IIT Bombay Campus

From the Dean's Desk April-2024

Dear Alumnus/Alumna,

 

“The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.”

 

— Mark Twain

 

As Mark Twain reminds us, April heralds a moment of reflection, prompting us to ponder the values we uphold daily. At IIT Bombay, this sentiment resonates profoundly as we steadfastly champion excellence, innovation, and community throughout each passing day. April is also when our students navigate the final stretch of the semester with determination, while our graduating cohort prepares to enter the professional world and embrace the myriad challenges facing them. Their hard work and dedication stand as a testament to their character, and I am deeply inspired and immensely proud of their accomplishments.

 

I am delighted to share with you a historic achievement at IIT Bombay. The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu dedicated the anti-cancer CAR-T cell therapy, NexCAR19, to the nation. Professor Rahul Purwar from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering spearheaded the development of this therapy in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, as well as his startup ImmunoACT (which he co-founded with his students). This groundbreaking milestone highlights our Institute’s commitment to translate and commercialize healthcare innovation and its significant contribution to addressing critical healthcare challenges in the nation. Look for detailed coverage of this event in our section Historic Milestone in the newsletter.

 

Following the euphoria of this momentous occasion with a more sorrowful note I want to apprise you of a sombre moment within our community. It is with profound sadness that I am informing you of the passing of Dr. T. N. Subramaniam, an esteemed mathematician, entrepreneur, and cherished alumnus member of our IIT Bombay community. Dr. Subramaniam’s journey from our alma mater to international acclaim serves as a beacon of inspiration for all alumni, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines the IIT Bombay ethos. Please look for more on Dr. Subramaniam in our ‘In Memoriam’ section in the newsletter.

 

I would now like to share the latest updates and achievements from our alma mater, all while honouring the dedication and spirit that define our Institute. As always, March was filled with several activities at the Institute.

 

IIT Bombay celebrated its 65th Annual Foundation Day in February. From distinguished awards recognizing scientific and engineering excellence to the celebration of our esteemed alumni’s achievements, the event was a testament to the Institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence and community spirit. Look for more details in the Special Report on Foundation Day in the newsletter.

 

I am delighted that IIT Bombay has forged transformative corporate collaborations with industry leaders like Oracle, Tower Research, Citadel Securities, and Aarti Industries (Gogri Membrane Hub) shaping the landscape of education and innovation. Please look for a detailed write-up on these partnerships in our section titled Corporate Collaborations.

 

March also saw two distinguished lecture series at IIT Bombay: the NR Kamath Distinguished Lecture Series and the Radhika Rajan Women Leadership Lecture Series. These lectures exemplify our commitment to excellence and inclusion, shaping the future of academia and beyond. Dive deeper into these engaging sessions and more in the News section of the newsletter.

 

Two of our alumni, Raj Nair and Raj Melville recently – but separately – embarked on a captivating journey to Antarctica. They embody the adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity that define our vibrant alumni network. As I read about their captivating journeys to Antarctica, I must admit, I find myself filled with a sense of awe and envy, inspired by their adventurous spirit and the remarkable experiences they undoubtedly encountered on this extraordinary expedition. Please look out for their adventures in this month’s Chai aur Samose Pe Charcha series in the newsletter.

 

As always, we have all of our other regular articles including Student Success Stories, Faculty Accolades, Institute News and Highlights, Upcoming Events, and more in this month’s newsletter.

 

Before I wrap up, I want to convey my profound sense of gratitude for your enduring support and dedication to the IIT Bombay community. As we welcome April, I hope it will ignite within us a renewed sense of hope, resilience, and endless possibilities.

 

Here’s to the exciting adventures that await us, and to the continued success of our cherished alma mater.

 

Warmly,

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