The 1998 batch of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has donated Rs 57 crore to their alma mater, breaking previous records for single-class donations. This contribution is the highest ever donated by a single batch in IIT-B’s history, surpassing the previous record of Rs 41 crore set by the Class of 1971 during their golden jubilee celebrations.
The funds raised by the 1998’s batch will be used for critical academic and research projects at the Institute. These initiatives include Project Evergreen, focused on establishing environmentally sustainable hostels; Makerspace labs to promote scientific and technological innovation, including an AI micro factory; and Student Aid initiatives, including scholarships, to support the aspirations of future students.
Furthermore, the proceeds will be utilized to establish an endowment fund and fund projects at the Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Minds (C-MinDS).
More than 200 alumni, including notable global executives such as Anupam Banerjee, MD of Vector Capital; Apoorv Saxena, Managing Director at Silver Lake; Dileep George from AI Research at Google Deepmind; Mohan Lakhamraju, CEO of Great Learning; Shailendra Singh, Managing Director at Peak XV; and Srikant Shetty, Chief Growth Officer, Americas at HCL, made significant contributions to the funds.
“Bound by a collective spirit and a shared commitment, the Class of 1998’s contribution has made a significant impact on their legacy at their alma mater. Their dedication to IIT Bombay demonstrates the enduring bonds formed during their formative years and serves as an inspiration for all alumni. Together, we are shaping a future where IIT Bombay will be among the world’s top universities, fueled by the collective efforts of our diverse and accomplished community,” Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT Bombay said.
A combined quote from the reunion’s leaders – Amit Khandelwal, Apoorv Saxena, Ashutosh Gore, and Sharad Goenka – read, “We are a very diverse batch, with people spread across 100+ cities around the world and involved in startups to corporates, social causes and non-profits. But we all share great memories and timeless bonds that were formed during the formative years of our lives and sustained through many family visits and connections over the years. This year, when we got together, there was another big focus for us: the spirit of giving back inspired by alumni such as Nandan Nilekani and previous silver jubilee batches. We are glad all this came together in this record raise supported by all the donors and the volunteers. We hope this helps to make IIT Bombay one of the premier global universities in the coming years and inspires other alumni to give back as well.”
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