DEAN ACR NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2025

From the Dean's Desk February-2025

Prof. Ravindra D. Gudi

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

“

Dear Alumni,

 

The start of a new year often brings an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate milestones.

 

From the heart-warming moments of Alumni Day to the lively camaraderie of our PG Alumni Reunion, and the joyful enthusiasm of the 1963 Diamond Jubilee reunion, the campus was brimming with nostalgia and the joy of rekindled bonds. Walking through Gulmohar Lawns and hearing the laughter and stories from the years past was a poignant reminder of the timeless connections forged here. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make these events truly unforgettable. We have covered them extensively in the newsletter.

 

As always, our newsletter strives to celebrate our vibrant IIT Bombay community. In this issue, we spotlight Mood Indigo 2024 and Techfest 2024, two iconic student festivals that hold a special place in the hearts of our alumni.

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REVOLUTIONIZING SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION

IIT Bombay Launches Sustainability Policy

IIT Bombay has launched a comprehensive Sustainability Policy, a key report of the Pan-IIT Sustainability Conclave organised by IIT Bombay, aimed at embedding sustainability across its operations, academics, and research.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, welcomed the Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North East Region (DoNER), Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, who unveiled the policy during a special visit to the campus.

Also present at the occasion were:

• Prof. K.V. Krishna Rao, Deputy Director (Finance, Infrastructure and Administration)

• Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation)

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ALUMNI REUNION HIGHLIGHTS


Snapshots of Nostalgia


Reunions are a time to relive the golden days, rekindle old friendships, and revisit the cherished corners of our alma mater. At IIT Bombay, these gatherings celebrate the indomitable bond shared by our alumni that was forged in classrooms, hostels, and canteens.

Below, we share a collection of images and videos that capture the joy, laughter, and nostalgia from recent alumni reunions, showcasing heartfelt moments of camaraderie and the timeless connection that alumni feel to their vibrant campus.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Kishor Jaiswal Wins Meritorious Service Award

IIT Bombay is delighted to announce that Dr. Kishor Subhash Jaiswal (B.Tech., Civil Engineering, 2006), has been awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Award by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This esteemed recognition, the second highest honour granted by the department, acknowledges Dr. Jaiswal’s outstanding scientific contributions in earthquake risk assessment and his instrumental role in advancing the safety and resilience of communities worldwide. Dr. Jaiswal frequently advises the US President on their government's response to earthquake crises around the world.

Dr. Jaiswal’s work, particularly in the development of the Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) system, has had a profound impact on how the world responds to seismic events. PAGER is a critical tool used by disaster responders to quickly assess earthquake-induced casualties and economic losses, enabling faster and more effective interventions.

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IN MEMORIAM



- Dr. R. Chidambaram

1936-2025

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT



Prof. Pushpak Bhattacharyya to Head RBI’s Ethical AI Initiative

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Apoorva Rajadhyaksha Cracks 100 Percentile in CAT 2024

IIT Bombay’s 21-year-old electrical engineering student, Ms. Apoorva Rajadhyaksha, made history by becoming the only female to score a perfect 100 percentile in the CAT 2024, India's most competitive management entrance exam. A journey that started with excelling in mathematics and representing India at the European Mathematical Olympiad in 2020, Apoorva's success story is a testament to her determination, meticulous planning, and perseverance.

Born and raised in Mumbai to two professors of medicine, Apoorva’s academic foundation was grounded in a love for problem-solving. Her academic journey began with a strong performance in the JEE Advanced 2021, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 681, which earned her a spot at IIT Bombay.

Despite being an electrical engineering student, Apoorva developed a deep interest in finance and economics during her time at IIT Bombay.

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STUDENT SUCCESS STORY


• 57th Inter IIT Sports Meet
• Inter IIT Tech Meet 13.0
• Smart India Hackathon 2024

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INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS

First Green Propulsion System for Spacecraft

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IIT Bombay and Tohoku University Collaborate

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IIT Bombay hosts BAMS

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GISE Partners with Thane Municipal Corporation

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IIT Bombay Chosen as Hub University

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IIT Bombay Hosts ATMAN 2.0:

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Honouring Prof. R. S. Ayyar’s Legacy

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Calling Alumni to Join Project Titanium

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Faculty Accolades

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IIT Bombay’s Course on Wheels

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Upcoming Alumni Reunion

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Upcoming Events
Lumina Kickoff Event

Join us for the Lumina Kickoff event, featuring two extraordinary IIT Bombay alumni: Ms. Kavita Bala, computer scientist and Provost of Cornell University, and Ms. Sharada Srinivasan, eminent archaeologist and professor at NIAS Bangalore. Hear inspiring stories, groundbreaking achievements, and the passions that drive these global changemakers. Be part of this unforgettable conversation as we […]

Day & Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 9:30 am
Venue: Virtual
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, 2025 […]

Day & Date: December 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 am 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: Dec 20 - Dec 21, 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: 11:30 AM to […]

Day & Date: Nov 15 - Dec 13, 2025
Venue: TBD

From the Dean's Desk February-2025

Dear Alumni,

 

The start of a new year often brings an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate milestones.

From the heart-warming moments of Alumni Day to the lively camaraderie of our PG Alumni Reunion, and the joyful enthusiasm of the 1963 Diamond Jubilee reunion, the campus was brimming with nostalgia and the joy of rekindled bonds. Walking through Gulmohar Lawns and hearing the laughter and stories from the years past was a poignant reminder of the timeless connections forged here. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make these events truly unforgettable. We have covered them extensively in the newsletter.

 

As always, our newsletter strives to celebrate our vibrant IIT Bombay community. In this issue, we spotlight Mood Indigo 2024 and Techfest 2024, two iconic student festivals that hold a special place in the hearts of our alumni. Many of you organized, participated in, and shaped these events during your time as students, creating memories that continue to inspire generations. This year’s editions were a perfect blend of creativity and innovation, keeping alive the legacy you helped establish. We have featured both events in Special Reports in the newsletter.

 

I also invite you to explore the heartwarming moments from recent reunions featured in this issue under Alumni Reunion Highlights. The bond between alumni and the Institute remains strong, no matter how many years have passed. The photos capture the special moments when alumni return to IIT Bombay, reconnecting with friends and reliving their time on campus.

 

We are delighted to feature Dr. Kishor Jaiswal in the Alumni Spotlight section of the newsletter. His groundbreaking work in earthquake risk reduction earned him the prestigious Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Department of Interior. His journey exemplifies the global impact of IIT Bombay’s alumni.

 

On the corporate front, our collaborations with Waaree Energies and TriNano Technologies highlight the Institute’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation. These partnerships pave the way for transformative solutions in clean energy and nanotechnology, reaffirming IIT Bombay’s role as a leader in impactful research and development. Look for more in the Corporate Collaboration section of the newsletter.

 

Our Research Spotlight showcases two remarkable projects: needle-free shock syringes that promise a revolution in medical care, and a bacterial cocktail designed to enrich farm soil and bolster sustainable agriculture. These advancements underline our focus on addressing pressing global challenges through innovative research.

 

In our Faculty Spotlight section, we are proud to share that Prof. Pushpak Bhattacharyya has been appointed to lead the Reserve Bank of India’s Ethical AI Initiative. This prestigious role showcases the influence of IIT Bombay’s faculty in shaping policies and technologies of national importance.

 

We are also delighted that our Student Spotlight celebrates the remarkable achievement of Apoorva Rajadhyaksha, the only female student to secure a perfect 100 percentile in CAT 2024. Apoorva’s accomplishment not only reflects her determination and brilliance but also highlights the growing diversity of IIT Bombay’s student community. The Institute takes immense pride in fostering an inclusive environment, actively encouraging young women to excel not just in STEM but also in diverse fields like finance, management, and beyond. Apoorva’s success is a shining example of this spirit, inspiring countless others to break barriers and redefine possibilities.

 

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.

 

As we move forward, I want to take a moment to thank our alumni community for your continued engagement and support. Your achievements inspire us, your contributions enrich us, and your presence strengthens the legacy of IIT Bombay. Together, we are not just a network; we are a family committed to making a difference. Let us continue to cherish these bonds and work hand in hand to empower the next generation.

 

With Warm Wishes,

 

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