IIT-Delhi for an endowment pool to fund faculty development

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute Technology (IIT)-Delhi proposed creation of an endowment pool with support from its alumni to fund world-class faculty development and to finance its research students for international exposure.

Institute Director RK Shevgaonkar also asked the alumni in the industry to engage in developing a 21st century modern curriculum which is in sync with the changing professional landscape.

The institute, he said, is also setting up a Centre for Cyber Security at Delhi and a Science and Technology Park at its Sonipat campus.

"Everything is online and control is remote. It was felt that IIT-D is the most suitable to have a capacity building for cyber security in the country.

"The centre which shall start in the next session shall also undertake cutting-edge research in this field, " he said, addressing the first-ever alumni day.

The event saw a gathering of large number of alumni, who have achieved success in their respective field including NIIT CEO and co-founder Vijay K Thadani, Fortis Healthcare president Daljit Singh, Principal Secretary to Gujarat Government Sanjay Nandan, Princeton University Head of Ddepartment of Electrical Engineering Department Sharad Mallik and Angel investor Deepak Mirza.

According to Shevgaonkar, "This alumni gathering opens a new chapter in the engagement of the alumni with the institute and its students, giving them greater opportunities to contribute to their alma mater's future."

Mallik said, "For any institution to become world-class, it must strive to have a big impact on the society and IIT Delhi should gear up towards that."

"A large number of alumni having excelled in the corporate, business, government and education fields have expressed their desire to give back to the institute as well as to the society.

"The alumni day meet has opened up various avenues and directions for them to contribute and fulfil their cherished dreams," said Mr Pravin Purang, President, IIT Delhi Alumni Association.