At their 40-year reunion from December 18 to 21, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur Class of 1986 alumni collectively committed an amount of INR 11 crore to fund long-term projects on the institution’s campus. The reunion was a global gathering of the graduates to meet their alma mater once again.
The money that has been raised through donations will be spent on the three projects that aim to enhance the student experience and the community wellbeing. These projects are the SAC Extension Auditorium, the Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing and a tower in the new Hall of Residence.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur and fellow graduate of the Class of 1986, mentioned the institute had been the main factor in defining their lives. He appreciated his batchmates for enabling projects that would have students’ academic, cultural and emotional growth at the core of their benefits.
Leaders Highlight Impact of Collective Giving
Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni of IIT Kanpur, termed the pledge as a prime example of alumni leadership at its best and collective philanthropy at its strongest. He said the contribution would go a long way in improving student-centric infrastructure and deepening the relation between the Institute and the alumni community.
Ajit Dass, Alumni Batch Coordinator for the Class of 1986, said the reunion rekindled the collective spirit of giving back in a significant and enduring manner. According to him, the legacy projects are the batch's way of saying thank you and expressing their commitment to the wellbeing of the students now and later.
IIT Kanpur Takes UpStart 2025 to South Korea
Additionally, the Entrepreneurship Cell at IIT Kanpur has joined forces with Unicorn Incubator, the South Korea-based company, to extend the reach of its premier business model pitching competition, UpStart 2025, to the Korean Peninsula. The project is designed to offer South Korean startups the benefits of exposure, mentorship, and the opening up of global investors and markets to them.
