DEAN ACR NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2023

From the Dean's Desk October-2023

Prof. Ravindra D. Gudi

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

“

Dear Alumnus/Alumna,

 

Greetings from IIT Bombay!

 

As the rains slowly started to recede from Mumbai, we bid farewell to September and welcomed the onset of the Fall season with its picturesque colours adorning the landscape and the crisp, pleasant autumn weather. These fall-themed changes in the environment provide a perfect backdrop for our festive celebrations even as there is a sense of joy, excitement, and cultural fervour enveloping IIT Bombay’s campus, as well as the country. The month of September was extremely special as we celebrated several festivals that not only symbolize our rich heritage but also exemplify the unity in diversity that defines our great nation. Let us take a moment and celebrate the spirit of Janmashtami, the blessings of Lord Ganesha, and the grace of Id-E-Milad that showcase the vibrant tapestry of our culture and make India truly incredible.

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PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT

IIT Bombay’s Prof. Raghavan B Sunoj Honoured with the National Teacher Award 2023

From 'Night Professor' to Being Honoured by the President of India: Tracing Prof. Sunoj's Remarkable Journey

Prof. Raghavan Sunoj from IIT Bombay did the Institute proud when he received the National Award to Teachers 2023 for Higher Education by the Hon’ble President of India at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Teachers’ Day 2023. He received a silver medal and Rs. 50,000 cash for the same. In an interview with the Times of India, one of Prof. Sunoj’s former students, IITB alumnus, Yash Sanghvi, said, “Prof. Sunoj was one of the professors taking our first-year chemistry introduction course (CH105). I distinctly remember the commotion in the hostel the night before our CH105 midsem. Turned out that Professor Sunoj had dropped by to clear the anxious freshers’ doubts before the exam.

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STUDENT SUCCESS STORY

IIT Bombay Student Researchers Make Waves Down Under (Part 2)

Ishan Shrirang Phansalkar and Ramengmawia Bawitlung Secure the Coveted Australia India Research Students (AIRS) Fellowship

In Part 1 of this series, we spoke to Sujit Chauhan and Yagya Narayan who won the AIRS Fellowship. Click here for their story…

In Part 2, we are delighted to talk to Ishan and Ramengmawia, the other two brilliant student researchers from IIT Bombay, who also proved that steadfast effort, commitment, and enduring enthusiasm can produce extraordinary outcomes. Along with Sujit and Yagya, Ishan and Ramengmawia were also recently chosen for the prestigious “Australia India Research Students" (AIRS) Fellowship program. All four of these young researchers have not only demonstrated exceptional academic achievements but also served as sources of inspiration, encouraging their peers and fellow students at IIT Bombay to aspire to great heights and aim for the stars.

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Upcoming Events
Hostel 9 Celebration Day (H9)

One Last Time at Old Pluto! We’re excited to share that a reunion is being planned for 20th December 2025 at Hostel 9, just before it undergoes redevelopment. This is your chance to return to the place that witnessed countless memories, mischief, and late-night bonding. One final walk through the corridors, one more night of […]

Day & Date: December 20, 2025
Venue: Venue: Hostel 9 Premises, IIT Bombay
Hostel 6 Celebration Day (H6)

The Hexalities/Vikings Return – One Last Time at old H6! We’re excited to share that a reunion is being planned for 20th December 2025 at Hostel 6, just before it undergoes redevelopment. This is a chance to return to the place that defined so many of your memories, friendships, and the fearless Hexalities/Vikings spirit. One […]

Day & Date: December 20, 2025
Venue: Venue: Hostel 6 Premises, IIT Bombay
Hostel 4 Celebration Day (H4)

Still Madhouse……Just Newer ! We’re excited to announce that the H4 reunion is planned for 20th December 2025! With the new Hostel 4 almost ready and students moving in soon, it’s the perfect time to return to campus and relive the chaos, laughter, and unmatched H4 spirit. This is a unique chance to bring together […]

Day & Date: December 20, 2025
Venue: Venue: Hostel 4 Premises, IIT Bombay

From the Dean's Desk October-2023

Dear Alumnus/Alumna,

 

Greetings from IIT Bombay!

 

As the rains slowly started to recede from Mumbai, we bid farewell to September and welcomed the onset of the Fall season with its picturesque colours adorning the landscape and the crisp, pleasant autumn weather. These fall-themed changes in the environment provide a perfect backdrop for our festive celebrations even as there is a sense of joy, excitement, and cultural fervour enveloping IIT Bombay’s campus, as well as the country. The month of September was extremely special as we celebrated several festivals that not only symbolize our rich heritage but also exemplify the unity in diversity that defines our great nation. Let us take a moment and celebrate the spirit of Janmashtami, the blessings of Lord Ganesha, and the grace of Id-E-Milad that showcase the vibrant tapestry of our culture and make India truly incredible.

 

Moving on, and as always, the Dean ACR office had a busy September.

 

The Institute paid homage to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan – India’s most noted philosopher, educationist, and statesman by celebrating Teacher’s Day on November 5, 2023. I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the profound impact that all the wonderful teachers from your alma mater have made in your life and recall the joy and inspiration they brought to your educational journey. Please look for detailed coverage of the day (including details of all the award-winners) in our Special Report in the newsletter. Also, our very own Prof. Raghavan Sunoj received the National Award to Teachers 2023 for Higher Education from the Hon’ble President of India at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan. Our many hearty congratulations to Raghavan for this incredible accomplishment.

 

The month began with a four-day workshop on Sustainability and Climate Change that the Institute hosted along with Stanford University. We were delighted to welcome our very own distinguished alumnus Prof. Arunava Majumdar back to campus. He represented Stanford University as the inaugural Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Please look for more details in the Special Report section of the newsletter.

 

I am delighted to report that IIT Bombay has collaborated with the State Bank of India (SBI) to set up ‘The SBI Foundation Hub for Data and Analytics.’ This is an exciting move that will allow IIT Bombay to take the lead in finding innovative solutions and pursue disruptive research in banking analytics. Please look for more details in the Special Report of the NL.

 

Our final Special Report this month is on the second iteration of IITB Trust Lab’s Trust Summit 2023. The event showcased the latest and most impactful digital trust initiatives in India even as it brought together a distinguished group of leaders, pioneers, and experts from industry, academia, and government to address critical issues and highlight cutting-edge advancements in India’s digital trust landscape.

 

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.

 

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement with your alma mater. Your enthusiasm fuels our drive to excel and innovate, and your accomplishments and service to your community inspire the current generation of students to dream big and do good. Looking forward, do not forget that IIT Bombay is not just a campus; it’s a lifelong journey you embarked upon, and your legacy is etched in every corner of the Institute.

 

Here’s to the past, present, and the exhilarating future of IIT Bombay!

 

Sincerely,

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