Biswabrata Goswami
KHARAGPUR, 18 AUG: As India proudly marks its 78th year of Independence, IIT Kharagpur commemorates its 74th Foundation Day with a grand celebration attended by distinguished guests. The prestigious event was graced by Mr Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, who honored the occasion as the Chief Guest. Joining him as Guests of Honour were Dr. S P Somanath, Chairman of ISRO; Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO; and Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee and Former Rajya Sabha MP.

The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag and the institute flag at the main building, setting a patriotic tone for the day’s events. This was followed by the conferment of several prestigious awards, recognizing excellence across various fields. Among the highlights were the Gitindra Saran Sanyal Faculty Excellence Awards, the Young Alumni Achievers Awards, and the Staff Excellence Awards. The institute also honored employees who have completed 25 years of dedicated service.
The Young Alumni Achiever Award was presented to 32 young alumni, celebrating their remarkable achievements in innovation, technological development, research, community welfare, leadership, entrepreneurship, social impact, nation-building, and professional accomplishments.
In total, nine Faculty Excellence Awards and 30 Staff Excellence Awards were distributed, along with recognition for 74 employees who have served the institution for an uninterrupted 25 years. Additionally, the prestigious Nina Saxena Excellence in Technology Award 2024 was awarded to Mr. Pankaj Kumar and Mr. Siddhant Aagrwal from IIT Guwahati for their groundbreaking work in Floating Solar PV Technology.
Mr Amitabh Kant, in his keynote address, emphasized the critical role of innovation in India’s growth. He underscored the need for India to become an innovation hub, urging a stronger focus on applied research and market-oriented innovation through Academia-Research-Industry partnerships. “Institutions like IIT Kharagpur are pivotal in shaping the future of India,” Kant stated, highlighting the institute’s foundational role in inspiring excellence across all IITs.
Dr. S P Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, expressed his gratitude for the Life Fellow Award, reflecting on his journey as a product of Indian education and his contributions to ISRO. He encouraged collaboration between IIT Kharagpur and ISRO, envisioning greater achievements in the future.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, also received a Life Fellow Award and spoke of the importance of collective effort in achieving large-scale goals. He reiterated the need for synergy between academia, industry, and R&D organizations to realize India’s vision of becoming a developed country by 2047.
Prof. Debashish Chakravarty, Dean of Alumni Affairs at IIT Kharagpur, introduced the concept of ‘Gurudakshina,’ a gesture of gratitude from alumni to their alma mater. He announced that 34 pledges of Gurudakshina had already been received, which would support various student activities and infrastructure improvements, contributing to the institute’s self-reliance.
The 74th Foundation Day of IIT Kharagpur not only celebrated the institute’s rich legacy but also set the stage for its future, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and self-reliance. As IIT Kharagpur continues to inspire and lead, the event was a testament to its enduring impact on India and the world.
Tags: #IITKGP #ISRO #DRDO #Kharagpur #Convocation