BITS Pilani receives Rs 15 crores in funds from alumnus

JAIPUR: BITS Pilani has received the highest-ever individual gift of Rs 15 crore (USD 1.8 million) from 1967-72 batch alumnus, MapmyIndia, founder and chairman, Rakesh Verma.

The funds will be utilised to build a convention centre at the BITS Pilani campus. The centre will be operational by the financial year 2026. The convention centre, named after Rakesh Verma, will consist of a 200-seater 'MapmyIndia Conference Hall' where programmes and events will be held along with a 100-room residential facility.

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While speaking about the centre, BITS Pilani, vice-chancellor, Souvik Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chancellor, said: "Rakesh has been a champion of BITS over many years. He has helped many BITSians in their careers and has been pivotal in strengthening the entrepreneurship initiatives at BITS. With the upcoming convention centre, the Pilani campus would add a crucial facility to offer an unmatched campus experience".

Speaking on the funds donated, MapmyIndia, founder and chairman, Rakesh Verma (BITS Pilani, 1967-72) said: "BITS Pilani is not just my alma mater but a creator that built me and motivated me to achieve higher goals and strive towards lofty ideals. I would say BITS Pilani creates 'Institution Builders'. I believe BITS Pilani has transformed not just my career arc but even my life.”

He added, “I feel privileged and honoured that my contribution towards this endeavor has been accepted. BITS Pilani holds a promise to create world class leaders, who have and will continue to make this world a better place. Poets can well visualise 'sitaron se aagey jahaan aur bhi hain' but the ways to reach there will be created by Technologists. Don't be surprised if you find a BITSian hand in it somewhere when that happens. Tomorrow, as humanity goes Interstellar, who knows the influence of BITS Pilani may transcend beyond this globe”.