“IIT Bombay Receives Anonymous Rs 160 Crore Donation for Green Energy Research Hub”
IIT Bombay receives an anonymous donation of Rs 160 crore ($18.6 million) from an alumnus for the establishment of a Green Energy and Sustainability Research Hub. This significant contribution highlights the institution’s dedication to cutting-edge research and tackling climate challenges.
In a remarkable display of philanthropy and commitment to research, IIT Bombay has received a generous donation of Rs 160 crore ($18.6 million) from an anonymous alumnus. The contribution is designated for the establishment of a Green Energy and Sustainability Research (GESR) Hub, aimed at advancing critical areas such as solar photovoltaics, battery technologies, clean-air science, flood forecasting, and carbon capture.
The identity of the donor remains undisclosed, as the individual wishes to remain anonymous. This distinctive gesture of giving, while common in some international academic circles, is a rare occurrence within Indian academia. “This is a rare occurrence in Indian academia that a philanthropist wishes to stay anonymous,” stated Prof Subhasis Chaudhari, the director of IIT Bombay.
Highlighting the uniqueness of this donation, Prof Chaudhari further elaborated, “It is the first time that we have received an anonymous donation. In fact, while this is common in the USA, I don’t think any university in India has received a private gift where the donor wants to remain faceless. Donors know that when they give IIT-B money, it will be used efficiently and for the right purpose.”
The GESR Hub, funded by this significant contribution, will not only facilitate cutting-edge research but also foster interdisciplinary collaborations and entrepreneurial endeavors. “The establishment of this hub underscores our dedication to tackling climate challenges through cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and nurturing entrepreneurial endeavors,” added Prof Chaudhari.
The GESR Hub will find its home in a state-of-the-art academic building located on the IIT Bombay Campus in suburban Powai. In addition to research initiatives, the hub will offer industry-specific educational training and establish strategic partnerships with international universities and corporations.
This generous donation follows a similar act of giving by another IIT Bombay alumnus. Last month, Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, contributed Rs 315 crore ($43 million) to the institute to mark his 50-year association with it. Nilekani’s cumulative donations of Rs 400 crore to his alma mater earned the privilege of having the institute’s iconic main building named after him.
IIT Bombay, known for its academic excellence, secured the fourth position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023, a comprehensive ranking of educational institutions in India. Additionally, it retained its position as the top Indian institute in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, ranking at 149 out of the world’s universities.
This latest contribution underscores IIT Bombay’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of academic and research excellence.
Sources By Agencies
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