IIT Kharagpur observes Platinum Jubilee through week-long celebration

Kolkata, Aug 21 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, is observing its Platinum Jubilee through a week-long celebration.

The celebrations are being held on Thursday through activities ranging from a “Fun Run” within the campus to serious technical discussions, debates and inspirational speeches by special guests.

There was discussion on “Next Gen IITians for Viksit Bharat”, envisioning the role of young IITians in shaping India’s future, and an engaging Foundation Day Debate on “Faculty vs Students”.

The celebration has brought together generations of IIT Kharagpur graduates, who are exchanging ideas, challenging perspectives, and imagining what lies ahead.

The oldest IIT of the country is using this opportunity to discuss ideas, innovations and aspirations that will define the decades ahead.

While honouring its legacy, the institution is looking forward with renewed purpose — dedicated to the service of the nation and the world. Among the themes explored was “Beyond the IITs We Know: Building the IITs that the Nation and the World Will Need”.

“From research and mentorship to transformative ideas for reimagining the IIT ecosystem, discussions were held on how the IITs can evolve to address the aspirations of a changing nation and an interconnected world,” the organisers said.

Among those who attended the celebrations were Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living; V Narayanan, ISRO Chairman; Kalyan Chakraborty, West Bengal Minister-in-charge of the Information Technology and Electronics Department; and Gobardhan Das, NITI Aayog member; Suman Chakraborty, IIT Kharagpur Director, also spoke about the institute and its future plans.

There were significant institutional announcements, inauguration of new initiatives, and the conferment of various awards and recognitions, celebrating excellence and contributions to the Institute and society.

Celebrations are continuing with inspiring addresses and conversations with venture capitalists and unicorn founders, technology demonstrations, deep-tech showcases, a Hackathon and Innovation Challenge.

“As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, we celebrate not just what has been achieved, but the ideas that will define what comes next,” the institute said.

–IANS

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