DEAN ACR NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2024

From the Dean's Desk October-2024

Prof. Ravindra D. Gudi

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

“

Dear Fellow Alumnus,

 

As September comes to a close, we reflect on a month filled with energy, excitement, and numerous events that showcased the spirit of our Institute. As the famous poet John Keats once said, “September is a month of beginnings, a time to reflect and re-evaluate.” This sentiment resonates deeply with us as we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

I feel delighted to share that IIT Bombay has entered into a historic partnership with Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited (MOFSL), marking one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributions to an educational institution in India. MOFSL has generously pledged ₹130 crores to support establishing the Motilal Oswal Knowledge Centre on our campus, a transformative step toward enhancing academic infrastructure and fostering innovation. Look for more details in the Corporate Collaboration section of the newsletter.

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SPECIAL REPORT


IIT Bombay Honors Excellence in Teaching and Research on Teacher’s Day with Prestigious Faculty Awards


IIT Bombay Commemorated the birth anniversary of noted philosopher, educationist, and statesman, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, by celebrating Teacher’s Day on campus.

Lieutenant General Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Vice-Chancellor of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

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CORPORATE COLLABORATION

IIT Bombay and Motilal Oswal Financial Services Forge Historic Partnership to Build State-of-the-Art Knowledge Centre

In a defining step toward nation-building and advancing academic excellence, IIT Bombay has entered into a historic partnership with Motilal Oswal Financial Securities Limited (MOFSL). Marking one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributions to an educational institution in India, MOFSL has pledged Rs. 130 crores to support the creation of world-class academic infrastructure at IIT Bombay.

The funds from this transformative partnership will go toward the development of the "Motilal Oswal Knowledge Centre" on IIT Bombay’s campus. This state-of-the-art academic block will span 120,000 square feet and serve as a hub for innovation, research, and academic excellence. Housing advanced laboratories, research centres, and collaborative spaces, the Motilal Oswal Knowledge Centre will enable IIT Bombay to attract world-class talent and further its mission of being a global leader in science and technology.

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Driving Innovation: IIT Bombay Partners with Industry Leaders for Electric Vehicle Technologies

IIT Bombay’s C1973 EV Power Train Lab signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DANA ANAND India Private Limited (DAIPL) and FORVIA HELLA as its CSR partners. The Institute will also partner with TapFin as its affiliate partner under the Industry-Academia Partnership Program (I-APP) in the field of electric vehicle technologies. The MoU was signed during E-Mobility Tech Day.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in advancing electric vehicle technologies, leveraging the expertise of IIT Bombay alongside industry leaders. By partnering with corporations, IIT Bombay is poised to foster innovative research and development that addresses the pressing challenges in the electric mobility sector. These partnerships also exemplify the Institute's commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable solutions for the betterment of society.

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CHAI AUR SAMOSE PE CHARCHA


Engineering Excellence, Musical Mastery: The Dual Legacy of Dr. Arun Dravid


We are delighted to feature Dr. Arun Dravid in the latest edition of the Chai Aur Samosa Pe Charcha series for the Dean ACR newsletter.

Dr. Dravid's extraordinary journey exemplifies the spirit of IIT Bombay—an institution that not only shapes world-class engineers but also nurtures individuals who excel in diverse fields. From topping his class in Chemical Engineering to becoming a torchbearer of Hindustani classical music, Dr. Dravid’s story highlights the versatility and holistic development that IIT Bombay fosters in its students.

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EVOLUTION OF IIT BOMBAY

A Legacy of Service and Learning: Tracing Major General A.K. Dasgupta and His Son Sanjay Dasgupta’s Shared IIT Bombay Journey

At a recent Dean ACR event at IIT Bombay, a special moment unfolded as IITB alumnus, Mr. Sanjay Dasgupta (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1990), returned to campus after 34 years. Joining him was his father, Major General A. K. Dasgupta, who played a pivotal role in the early days of IIT Bombay.

In a heartfelt conversation captured below, they reflected on the generational bond they share with the Institute - from General Dasgupta's involvement in surveying the campus in 1959 to Sanjay's own transformative experience as a student.

This conversation not only explores the unique contributions of both father and son but also highlights their deep connection to IIT Bombay, culminating in a seminar hall dedicated to the Major General's name. The dialogue offers a glimpse into the early days of the Institute, personal anecdotes, and the spirit of giving back to a place that shaped both their lives.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT


IIT Bombay Alumni Launch Innovative Course on Management of Chemical Projects


IIT Bombay is proud to announce the introduction of a groundbreaking course designed and structured by four esteemed alumni from the Chemical Engineering class of 1971:

- Rajeev Pandia
- Kanu Fatnani
- Rajaram Krishnaswami
- Pradeep Jaipuria

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EMPOWERING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

Calling IITB Alumni to Join Project Titanium: 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.

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Advancing Healthcare: IIT Bombay’s Prof. Darshan S. Shah Partners with Imperial College for Biomechanics Breakthrough

IIT Bombay's ongoing collaboration with Imperial College London on Remote Biomechanics, led by Prof. Darshan S. Shah from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been prominently featured on Imperial College London's official website. This project, which received the prestigious Imperial-India Connect Fund, is a joint initiative between Dr. Angela Kedgley from Imperial's Department of Bioengineering and Prof. Shah. They are among the first recipients of the fund, which supports groundbreaking research in areas such as AI, quantum science, semiconductors, clean energy, and digital health, promoting collaborations between India and Imperial College London.

Prof. Shah’s research focuses on improving the accuracy of remote monitoring of upper limb movements, with potential applications in diagnostics, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation.

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INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS

IIT Bombay Hosts National Geospatial Awards 2024 and Open Source GIS Day Celebration

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IIT Bombay Partners with the Government of Maharashtra for Technology-Driven Solutions

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IIT Bombay Accelerates EV Innovation with E-Mobility Tech Day

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IIT Bombay Celebrates Engineer’s Day

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IIT Bombay Forges Collaboration with BITS Pilani

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IITB Alumnus, Dr. Arun Dravid, Explores Musical Science at the N.R. Kamath Lecture Series

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Faculty Accolades

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Fostering Collaboration: MILIT Commandant Visits IIT Bombay for Faculty Development Initiative

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From NASA to IIT Bombay: Aisha Bowe Inspires and Motivates the Next Generation

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IIT Bombay Leads the Way in Sustainable Infrastructure with Insightful Decarbonisation Workshop

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IIT Bombay Hosts International Workshop on Heritage Conservation

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Upcoming Events
Alumni Day

IIT Bombay will celebrate its annual Alumni Day on December 29, 2024. All of IIT Bombay’s alumni are invited to come by and reminisce about their times 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: […]

Day & Date: December 29, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Venue: IIT Bombay, Main Gate Rd, IIT Area, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
PanIIT World of Technology (PIWOT) Global Summit

We are delighted to announce the PIWOT Global Summit 2025 which is poised to be a landmark event in the technology sector. The two-day conference will feature key addresses from distinguished ministers from the Govt. of India including: – Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education– Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science & Technology– Mr. Ashwini […]

Day & Date: Jan 17 - Jan 19, 2025
Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai

From the Dean's Desk October-2024

Dear Fellow Alumnus,

 

As September comes to a close, we reflect on a month filled with energy, excitement, and numerous events that showcased the spirit of our Institute. As the famous poet John Keats once said, “September is a month of beginnings, a time to reflect and re-evaluate.” This sentiment resonates deeply with us as we embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

 

I feel delighted to share that IIT Bombay has entered into a historic partnership with Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited (MOFSL), marking one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributions to an educational institution in India. MOFSL has generously pledged ₹130 crores to support establishing the Motilal Oswal Knowledge Centre on our campus, a transformative step toward enhancing academic infrastructure and fostering innovation. Look for more details in the Corporate Collaboration section of the newsletter.

 

We also had the pleasure of reconnecting with alumni at both the NCR and Rajasthan Alumni Meets. These gatherings were filled with warmth and camaraderie, as alumni shared fond memories and celebrated their lasting connection to the Institute. It was heartening to witness the deep sense of pride and commitment our alumni hold for IIT Bombay. We will feature a full recount of these special moments in a Special Report in our next month’s newsletter.

 

We were privileged to speak with Dr. Arun Dravid for the Chai Pe Charcha series in the newsletter. Dr. Dravid’s journey – both in engineering and Hindustani classical music – is an example of what the human spirit can accomplish if only we set our minds to it. Undoubtedly, you will be as inspired by his journey as we all are.

 

We are delighted to feature a heartfelt story about IIT Bombay alumnus Mr. Sanjay Dasgupta and his father, Major General A.K. Dasgupta, who played a key role in the early days of the Institute. The father-son duo reflected on their unique connection to IIT Bombay, from General Dasgupta’s involvement in its early development to Sanjay’s transformative student experience, culminating in a seminar hall dedicated to the Major General. Be sure to read their inspiring journey in the Evolution of IIT Bombay section of the newsletter.

 

September 2024 was also marked by numerous remarkable achievements from our alumni:

 

Our Alumni Spotlight section features the incredible contributions of Mr. Rajeev Pandia, Mr. Kanu Fatnani, Mr. Rajaram Krishnaswami, and Mr. Pradeep Jaipuria, who have launched a first-of-its-kind innovative course on the Management of Chemical Projects, integrating core Chemical Engineering principles with essential management practices. As always, we are grateful and blessed with the connection that our alumni community feels towards their alma mater.

 

Four of our very own brought immense pride to the Institute.

 

· Dr. Romesh Wadhwani recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This meeting highlighted the Wadhwani Foundation’s initiatives in skilling, entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation.

 

· Dr. Kavita Bala has been appointed as the 17th Provost of Cornell University. Her new position at Cornell represents a significant milestone in her academic career, emphasizing her leadership in the field of computing.

 

· Dr. Pradeep Fulay, the lead Program Director for the Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program at the National Science Foundation (NSF), has been honoured with the NSF Director’s Award for Leading through Innovation. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who drive positive change within the NSF through innovative initiatives that promote calculated risk-taking and enhance system improvements.

 

· Mr. Akshay Saxena, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Avanti Fellows was recently awarded the Social Entrepreneur of the Year – India 2024 by the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation for his contributions to transforming the educational landscape in India.

 

Join me in congratulating Dr. Wadhwani, Kavita, Pradeep, and Akshay for their extraordinary accomplishments. You can read more about all of them in the Alumni Accolades section of the newsletter.

 

As we celebrated Teacher’s Day, we acknowledged the invaluable role our faculty play in shaping the minds of future leaders. This occasion serves as a reminder of our commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research at IIT Bombay. Several awards were also given to our faculty members for the yeoman roles they play in guiding the next generation of students. Look for more in our Special Report on Teacher’s Day in the newsletter.

 

As I mentioned above, September was jampacked with activities and events and we have them all covered under Institute Highlights, Student Success Stories, Faculty Spotlights and Accolades, Upcoming Events, and much more.

 

Looking ahead, we are entering one of the busiest phases of the Institute, with various batch reunions and events scheduled in the upcoming months. I am particularly excited to share that a team from IIT Bombay will visit Dubai in October and undertake a US Roadshow in November. I eagerly look forward to meeting with many of you during these engagements.

 

As always, your involvement is critical to IIT Bombay’s success. We do not just appreciate your connection to your alma mater but we consider it essential to the ongoing success of IIT Bombay. Together, we have the power to cultivate a vibrant, engaged community that inspires and empowers the next generation of innovators and leaders. Let us unite our efforts to create an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive, ensuring a bright future for both our alma mater and the world.

 

With greetings and best wishes to you and your families for the festival season ahead.

 

Warm regards,

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