The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has officially opened a newly reconstructed and expansive dining facility, naming it in honour of one of its distinguished alumni, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari. The hall, located at Hostel 4 where Dr. Chaudhari himself resided as a student, now stands as the largest dining space on the campus, capable of serving 800 students at a time.
A Heartfelt Honour for a Dedicated Alumnus
The naming ceremony, held recently, saw Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries Limited and a B. Tech graduate from the 1971 batch, express his profound emotion. He stated that he was deeply touched by the institute's gesture. Reflecting on his formative years at IIT Bombay, Dr. Chaudhari highlighted how the experience instilled in him the core values of social responsibility and philanthropy.
"The dining hall was a place of community, camaraderie, and togetherness," he reminisced. "Seeing the newly reconstructed space and knowing it will continue to nurture student life gives me great joy, and I hope it remains a home for laughter, learning, and lifelong memories for generations to come."
Enhancing Holistic Student Experience
The institute clarified that this significant upgrade is not just about infrastructure but is a key part of its broader mission to improve the overall student experience. IIT Bombay acknowledges that a holistic education extends far beyond the classroom into residential and community spaces. The modernised dining hall is a direct reflection of this philosophy, aiming to significantly enhance daily student living and learning.
Alumni support has been instrumental in enabling this transformation, helping the Institute enhance the overall residential experience for future generations,
stated an official note from IIT Bombay. The contribution from Dr. Chaudhari has directly enabled the creation of this state-of-the-art facility.A Legacy of Philanthropy at IIT Bombay
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari's association and generosity towards his alma mater are long-standing. Over the years, he has enabled several key initiatives that have bolstered the institute's academic and research capabilities. His notable contributions include:
- The Parimal and Pramod Chaudhari Centre for Learning and Teaching
- The Pramod Chaudhari Alumni Continuing Education Centre
- The Bio Processing Laboratory
- Endowed Chair Professorships
- The DBT–Pan IIT Programme
The newly inaugurated Dr. Pramod Chaudhari Dining Hall at Hostel 4 now joins this impressive list, serving as a daily reminder of the enduring bond between a successful alumnus and the institution that helped shape his journey. The facility is expected to become a central hub for student interaction and community building for years to come.
