BITS Pilani Endowment Fund Achieves Major Milestone with $4 Million Alumni Contribution
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has announced a significant milestone in its fundraising efforts, with its endowment fund now surpassing $34 million in total commitments and receipts. This achievement comes following a record-breaking $4 million donation from a US-based alumnus couple, marking the largest individual contribution from an alumnus in the institute's history.
Historic $4 Million Gift to Support Student Scholarships
The generous contribution has been made by Chand P Garg, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the 1968 batch, and his wife Manju Garg. Currently based in the United States, Garg has built a career in international trade and entrepreneurship. According to the institute's official statement, this substantial donation is specifically designated to establish scholarships for students enrolled at BITS Pilani.
The scholarship program funded by this gift will support 16 students annually, with particular emphasis on meritorious students who come from financially constrained backgrounds. In a progressive move, a portion of these scholarships will be specifically earmarked for female students, promoting greater gender diversity and inclusion within the institute's academic community.
$100 Million Endowment Fund: A First for Indian Private Higher Education
BITS Pilani has established an ambitious $100 million Endowment Fund, which the institute describes as the first such initiative among non-government higher education institutions in India. This strategic fund has attracted commitments from alumni both within India and overseas, with the total amount mobilized now exceeding $34 million.
The broader endowment fund serves multiple institutional priorities beyond student scholarships. According to BITS Pilani, the fund will support:
- Faculty development programs
- Research initiatives and innovation projects
- Comprehensive student financial aid
- International academic engagement and collaborations
This endowment represents a crucial component of the institute's long-term strategy to strengthen its academic and research ecosystem, ensuring sustainable growth and excellence in education.
Leadership and Alumni Perspectives on the Contribution
Vice-Chancellor Prof V Ramgopal Rao commented on the significance of this donation, stating that it will have a direct and meaningful impact on student access to quality education. He emphasized that such alumni participation reflects continued engagement and commitment to the institute's mission and values.
Donor Chand P Garg explained his motivation behind the substantial contribution, linking it directly to his own educational experience at BITS Pilani. He expressed his desire to help students with financial need complete their education at the institute, ensuring that talented individuals aren't prevented from pursuing academic excellence due to economic constraints.
BITS Pilani's Expanding Educational Footprint
BITS Pilani currently operates multiple campuses across India and internationally, including locations in:
- Pilani
- Goa
- Hyderabad
- Dubai
The institute boasts a large and influential global alumni network that continues to support its growth and development. With this latest contribution and the ongoing momentum of the endowment campaign, BITS Pilani anticipates further donations in the coming years as it works systematically toward its ultimate $100 million target.
This landmark achievement in endowment fundraising positions BITS Pilani as a leader in private higher education in India, demonstrating how strategic alumni engagement can transform educational opportunities and institutional capabilities for future generations of students.
