IIT Madras 1981 alumni donate electric bus fleet

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) batch of 1981 have donated a fleet of electric buses as a legacy gift to the Institution. The class is having their 40th reunion on the IIT-M campus today, December 21, 2022.

The class of 1981 consisting of about 600 students including bachelor and master of technology (BTech and MTech) set a record by exceeding the funds contributed by any single class. The IIT Madras BTech class of ’81 joined in July 1976 for what was then a 5-year BTech course, graduating in 1981. Many from the graduating batch went abroad to pursue higher education.

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During the three-day reunion the batch will explore the campus and witness the changes over almost half a century since they graduated. They would also be discussing with IIT Madras, director, V Kamakoti and IIT Madras, dean, alumni and corporate relations, Mahesh Panchagnula about the projects that the batch had initiated during their 25th reunion in 2006.

Addressing the reunion celebrations, IIT Madras, director, V Kamakoti said: “I am very pleased and thankful that the Class has decided to donate a fleet of Electric Buses and Golf Carts to replace the existing diesel fleet. This will be a very good start towards our goal of a zero carbon campus by 2050 and will serve as a living reminder of our commitment to residents and visitors alike. I wish the batch a great reunion!”

The alumnus who championed Electric Mobility as a Legacy Gift, IIT Madras, class of 1981, Krish Bhargavan, said: “IIT Madras has set itself on the road to carbon neutrality, to be fully achieved by 2050. This electrification of the IIT Madras campus’ public transport fleet will complement the institute’s two existing centers of excellence: CoE for Electric Mobility and CoE for Zero Emission Trucking. Several components of electric vehicles are imported and expensive. Any home-grown technology that reduces external dependence, will further India’s energy independence.”