IIT Bombay’s 1998 batch donates Rs 57 crore for student wellness centre

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay’s class of 1998 has pledged Rs 57 crore to support the institute's Student Flourishing Hub. Pledged at the batch’s 25-year reunion, the commitment has been formalised through an agreement, IIT B said in a statement.

The Student Flourishing Hub is a programme within the institute’s Student Wellness Centre. Shireesh Kedare, director, IIT Bombay said, “IIT Bombay has always stood at the intersection of excellence and transformation. The generosity of the Class of 1998 is a testament to the deep bond our alumni share with the institute. Their support will empower students and faculty to push boundaries, innovate fearlessly and carry forward the IIT Bombay legacy.”

IIT Bombay student support

The statement added that the hub will add to existing efforts of IIT Bombay to support students and enhance their essential skills in emotional resilience and self-management.

“Adding to the Wellness Centre’s culture of well-being, the Hub will empower students to navigate challenges and develop the leadership skills needed to excel in their careers, whether in startups, corporations, academia, government, entrepreneurial ventures, or the social impact space,” the statement said.

The endowment by the class of 1998 was pledged earlier, in 2023. It will be used also in Project Evergreen, IIT B’s student hostel initiative, expand the financial aid programme for students from diverse backgrounds and enhance Makerspace and Thematic Labs, specifically in Robotics, for "technological advancement” on campus.

One of the representatives of the Class 1998 said, “We are thrilled that alumni and IIT Bombay leadership are collaborating to create the IITB Flourishing Hub, building on the Institute’s ecosystem where students don’t just survive but truly thrive—academically, socially and emotionally. This initiative will help students lead meaningful, fulfilling lives while they are at IITB and as they step into the world,” said representatives from the Class of 1998.”

Recently, alumni and co-founders of BrowserStack, Nakul Aggarwal and Ritesh Arora donated Rs 100 crore for improving student living experience at the institute.