IIT Bombay receives a Rs 315 billion donation from Nandan Nilekani.
Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder and Chairman of Infosys, has donated Rs 315 crore ($38.5 million) to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This donation adds to his previous contribution of Rs 85 crore, bringing the total value of his support to Rs 400 crore.
The memorandum of understanding for the donation was signed in Bengaluru by Nilekani and Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri, the Director of IIT Bombay.
Nilekani expressed his gratitude towards IIT Bombay, stating that the institution played a significant role in shaping his formative years and laying the foundation for his journey. He sees this donation as a way to give back and contribute to the future of the institute. He joined IIT Bombay in 1973 for a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
The donation from Nilekani is not just a financial contribution but also a tribute to the institution and a commitment to the students who will shape the world in the future, according to him. The aim of the donation is to significantly accelerate the growth of IIT Bombay and establish it as a global leader. The institute plans to focus on research and academic excellence to make India a leader in scientific discovery and address pressing global challenges.
Nilekani has maintained his connection with IIT Bombay over the last 50 years, serving in various roles. He was on the Board of the IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation from 1999 to 2009 and on the Board of Governors from 2005 to 2011. He has received accolades from the institution, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999 and an Honorary Doctorate in 2019.
IIT Bombay aims to establish world-class centers of excellence in areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and quantum computing. It also aims to foster a deep tech start-up ecosystem and provide exceptional research, living, and academic facilities for students and faculty.
