In a landmark move for Indian academia, the graduating class of 2000 from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has made a monumental collective pledge. The alumni group has committed a staggering sum of Rs 100 crore to establish and support the institute's new Millennium School of Technology and Society.
A Visionary Initiative Led by Prominent Alumni
The fundraising initiative boasts participation from some of the most successful graduates of that batch. A key figure driving this effort is Naveen Tewari, the Founder and CEO of InMobi and Glance. Tewari's legacy is notable for building India's first unicorn startup, InMobi, which grew into one of the nation's most globally scaled technology enterprises. His involvement, along with that of his peers, underscores a powerful commitment to giving back to their alma mater and shaping the future of tech education.
Details of the Pledge and Its Purpose
The commitment, announced on 29 December 2025, is specifically earmarked for the Millennium School of Technology and Society. This school represents a forward-thinking academic unit within IIT Kanpur, likely designed to foster interdisciplinary studies that bridge cutting-edge technology with societal impact and human-centric design. The substantial corpus of Rs 100 crore will provide crucial resources for infrastructure, research, faculty development, and student scholarships, aiming to create a world-class center for innovation.
The Broader Impact on Education and Innovation
This generous pledge from the Class of 2000 sets a new benchmark for alumni contributions in India. It highlights a growing trend where successful graduates are actively investing in the ecosystem that nurtured them. The funds will accelerate IIT Kanpur's ability to:
- Develop advanced curricula at the intersection of technology and society.
- Attract top-tier talent and researchers.
- Fund groundbreaking projects that address real-world challenges.
- Solidify its position as a premier institution for technological education with a conscience.
Such initiatives are vital for maintaining the global competitiveness of Indian educational institutions and ensuring they remain at the forefront of solving complex, humanity-scale problems.
