Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay received a remarkable donation of ₹315 crore from Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and esteemed alumnus of the institution. The contribution commemorates his 50-year association with IIT Bombay, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and is aimed at fostering world-class infrastructure, stimulating research in emerging areas, and nurturing a thriving deep tech startup ecosystem.
Recognized as one of the largest donations by an alumnus in India, Nilekani’s substantial grant demonstrates his profound gratitude and commitment to his alma mater. In a statement, Nilekani expressed his deep appreciation for the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his formative years and establishing the foundation for his successful journey. He stated, “IIT-Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this esteemed institution, I am grateful to give forward and contribute to its future.”
The generous donation not only serves as a financial contribution but also symbolizes Nilekani’s tribute to the institution that has given him so much. Recognizing the immense potential of the students who will shape the future, Nilekani’s pledge signifies his commitment to their development and the betterment of society as a whole.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the donation was signed by Nandan Nilekani and Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri, the Director of IIT Bombay, in Bengaluru today. Expressing his enthusiasm, Professor Chaudhuri emphasized that this historic contribution would propel IIT Bombay towards global leadership in education and research. He stated, “We are extremely delighted to see our illustrious alumnus Nandan Nilekani continuing his foundational and pioneering contributions to the Institute. This historic donation will significantly accelerate the growth of IIT Bombay and will firmly set it on a path of global leadership.”
This recent donation builds upon Nilekani’s previous grants of ₹85 crore, bringing his total contribution to a remarkable ₹400 crore. With this substantial support, IIT Bombay will be empowered to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure, fuel groundbreaking research in emerging areas of engineering and technology, and foster an ecosystem conducive to deep tech startups.
The impact of Nilekani’s contribution will extend far beyond the boundaries of IIT Bombay, as the institution’s enhanced capabilities and resources will attract top-tier faculty, researchers, and students from around the world. By bolstering its position as a center of excellence, IIT Bombay will continue to drive innovation and contribute to the technological advancements that shape the future of India and beyond.
Nandan Nilekani’s exemplary generosity serves as an inspiration to the alumni community and philanthropists alike, highlighting the transformative power of education and the enduring commitment to give back to institutions that have played an instrumental role in one’s personal and professional development.
As IIT Bombay embarks on a new chapter of growth and global leadership, Nandan Nilekani’s donation stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in the institution’s potential to shape a better tomorrow.
Sources By Agencies
