IIT Bombay bids farewell to Mr. Victor J. Menezes, a towering figure in global finance, a steadfast champion of education, and one of its most distinguished alumni. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void, not just within the corridors of his alma mater, but in the countless lives he influenced through his leadership, mentorship, and generosity.

Mr. Menezes, who graduated with a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering in 1970, carried the intellectual rigour of IIT Bombay into the world of finance, rising to become Senior Vice Chairman of Citigroup Inc. He was among the first Indians to break barriers in the international banking sector, shaping global financial strategies at a time when few from his background held such positions of influence. His ability to foresee economic shifts, his deep understanding of markets, and his emphasis on technology in banking made him an unparalleled force in his field.

Yet, despite his corporate success, Mr. Menezes never lost sight of where his journey began. He remained deeply engaged with IIT Bombay, ensuring that future generations would have access to even greater opportunities than he once did. As a co-founder of the IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation (IITBHF), he played a pivotal role in fostering alumni engagement and institutional advancement. His $3 million philanthropic gift in 2011 led to the creation of the Victor Menezes Convention Centre (VMCC), a space that has since become synonymous with intellectual discourse, collaboration, and progress.

His legacy is not merely etched in the walls of VMCC but in the ideas exchanged within them. Every lecture, every seminar, and every moment of academic inquiry that unfolds in its halls is a continuation of his belief in education as a force for transformation.

Mr. Menezes is survived by his wife, Tara, and four children. His journey may have reached its final chapter, but the institutions he shaped, the minds he mentored, and the lives he touched will carry his legacy forward. To those who knew him, he was more than a leader—he was a force of nature, one that lifted tides and reshaped destinies. IIT Bombay mourns his passing but celebrates the extraordinary life he led.

May his legacy continue to inspire generations, and may his soul attain eternal Sadgati.