In an unprecedented act of alumni philanthropy, the Class of 2000 from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has made history by pledging a monumental sum of Rs 100 crore to their alma mater. This landmark commitment was announced during the batch's Silver Jubilee Reunion celebrations held on the campus, setting a new national benchmark for batch-led donations.
A Record-Breaking Philanthropic Gesture
The pledge of Rs 100 crore stands as the highest financial commitment ever made by any single graduating batch across all academic institutions in India. This initiative, led by the 'Class of the Millennium', is not merely a donation but a transformative investment aimed at shaping the future of education and research at one of India's premier engineering institutes.
The primary objective of this colossal fund is to support the establishment of the 'Millennium School of Technology and Society' (MSTAS) within IIT Kanpur. This new school is envisioned as a pioneering academic centre that will bridge the gap between cutting-edge technological innovation and its broader societal impact, fostering a new generation of holistic engineers and leaders.
Leadership and Alumni Voices on the Pledge
The institute's leadership has hailed the pledge as a testament to the enduring relationship between IIT-K and its graduates. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated that this remarkable pledge serves as a powerful affirmation of the lasting bond shared between the institute and its alumni community.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources & Alumni at IIT-K, remarked that the commitment perfectly exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that defines the institute's extensive alumni network.
Distinguished alumnus Naveen Tewari from the Class of 2000 expressed the collective motivation behind the pledge. He described it as their batch's unified way of giving back to the institution that shaped them, with a clear goal of ensuring that future generations have equal or greater opportunities to learn, innovate, and lead.
Shaping the Institution Builders of Tomorrow
Tamal Das, the batch coordinator for the Class of 2000, highlighted the collaborative nature of this endeavour. He emphasized the batch's hope to work hand-in-hand with IIT Kanpur to actively contribute to developing the institution builders of tomorrow, thereby creating a lasting legacy.
This historic pledge during the Silver Jubilee Reunion goes beyond financial aid. It represents a profound model of sustainable, alumni-driven support for higher education in India. It sets a powerful precedent for other batches and institutions, demonstrating how successful graduates can directly contribute to the evolution and global competitiveness of their alma maters.
The establishment of the Millennium School of Technology and Society, fueled by this pledge, is poised to create new interdisciplinary programs, attract world-class faculty, and foster research that addresses complex challenges at the intersection of technology and human needs.
