IIT Madras celebrates its 59th Institute Day

NEW DELHI, APRIL 27: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) celebrated its’ 59th Institute Day to recognize the achievements of students, faculty and staff who excelled in their endeavors and are at the core of the accolades earned by the Institute. The day is crowned by the recognition bestowed on a select few of the illustrious alumni.

These Distinguished Alumni, again numbering twelve this year, have carved out a name for themselves in Academia and Industry with their research contributions, made their mark as entrepreneurs, or have developed key technologies for the welfare of the country.

The Chief Guest of the Institute Day, B. Santhanam, President and Managing Director, Saint Gobain India Pvt. Ltd., is himself a ‘Distinguished Alumnus Awardee. Speaking on the occasion, Santhanam said. “In the last decade IIT Madras has become more global, agile, raised its standard and output in research, deepened industry connect, leveraged the alumni network and enhanced its reputation.”

He also bestowed the Institute R&D Awards, Award for Excellence in Teaching and Non-Academic Staff Recognition Awards to the selected ones.

Delivering the Presidential address, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, said, “With this year’s Institute Day, the 59th, we enter the sixtieth year of our Institute’s life. Sixty is young as universities go, but we have already carved out a name for ourselves nationally and globally. We have also made our mark as a key contributor in building our nation.”

Commenting on various aspects that make IIT Madras unique, he said, "We are probably the first Institute to have set up a full-fledged Development Office three years ago to raise resources. Alumni hold several key positions in this Office, and working together with the IITM Foundation the funds raised has been growing at a CAGR of more than 30%. We are very grateful to the donors who came forward to contribute generously in large numbers, and assure them that the funds will be put to very good use."

The Director presented the Distinguished Alumnus Awards and the Institute Research Award (Academic Awards) to 21 research scholars in appreciation of the quality and quantity of their research work. The award consist of a merit certificate and a cash award of Rs. 20000. Around 62 Institute Day prizes, presented on this occasion are funded by the alumni of IITM.