IIT Kanpur alumnus donates 2.5 lakh US dollars for faculty chair, fellowship, student travel grant

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur alumnus Rajeev Gautam has made a contribution of 2,50,000 US Dollars to establish three endowed programmes in the department of chemical engineering at IITK.

A tripartite agreement was signed between IITK, IIT Kanpur Foundation, and Gautam for the institution of an endowed faculty chair, a faculty fellowship and a travel grant programme for students. The endowed programmes supported under the donation are Om Prakash Gautam Endowed Faculty Chair, the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Faculty Fellowship, and the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Travel Grant for students.

The contribution will enrich academics and research activities in chemical engineering at IITK. The endowments will provide faculty and students alike with opportunities to further excel in their respective fields, the institute said.

Rajeev Gautam, commenting on the significance of the endowed programs, stated, "It brings me immense pride to be able to give back to my alma mater in whichever possible ways to promote research and academic excellence. The Department of Chemical Engineering provided me with resources to set a strong technical foundation for my professional journey and success. I hope that the endowed programs empower the next generation of changemakers in the field of Chemical Engineering.”

Chemical engineering at IITK

Gautam graduated in chemical engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1974. He has played a key role in the creation and introduction of various catalytic and separations applications for the refining, petrochemical, and gas processing sectors. Gautam retired as President Emeritus, Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies. Recognizing his extensive work in the field, IIT Kanpur honored Gautam with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2020.

Sharing gratitude for this gesture, Professor S Ganesh, director, IIT Kanpur, said, "We are grateful to Dr Rajeev Gautam for his generous support to his alma mater. The institution of the Endowed Faculty Chair, Young Faculty Fellowship and Travel Grant will enrich faculty and student endeavors by facilitating more robust research efforts, recognizing young faculty talent, and providing global exposure opportunities to students. I am sure these programs will further strengthen the academic and research activities at the Chemical Engineering Department by empowering emerging researchers.”

Jayant K Singh, head of the chemical engineering department, IIT Kanpur, said, "We are thankful to alumnus Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous contribution to chemical engineering at IIT Kanpur. This support will enrich our department's research ecosystem and learning environment. It reaffirms our culture of excellence and will benefit both faculty and students. We look forward to the progress in chemical engineering knowledge and innovation through these transformative initiatives.”