In a powerful demonstration of alumni commitment, the 1986 graduating batch of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has pledged a collective contribution of Rs 11 crore to their alma mater. The landmark pledge was announced during the batch's 40-year reunion, held from December 18 to 21, 2025, which saw former students returning from across the world.
Three Pillars of Transformation
The substantial funds are earmarked for three specific legacy projects designed to significantly enhance campus infrastructure and student welfare. The initiatives include the construction of the SAC Extension Auditorium, the establishment of a dedicated Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and the addition of a Tower in the New Hall of Residence. These projects aim to directly improve the academic, cultural, and emotional lives of current and future students.
Leadership Hails a Spirit of Giving Back
Expressing his pride, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur and himself a member of the 1986 batch, highlighted the institute's formative role. He stated that the collective commitment reflects the deep sense of responsibility and gratitude that alumni carry. The sentiment was echoed by Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni, who praised the batch for setting an exemplary standard in alumni leadership and philanthropy. He noted that such gifts accelerate institutional development and strengthen the enduring bond with the alumni community.
Sharing the batch's perspective, Ajit Dass, the Alumni Batch Coordinator for the Class of 1986, explained that as they reconnected at the reunion, a shared desire emerged to give back in a manner that creates lasting value. He described the chosen projects as a representation of their collective gratitude and a meaningful contribution to the IITK student experience for generations to come.
A Legacy Beyond Infrastructure
This philanthropic move underscores a growing trend among IIT alumni networks to contribute strategically to their institutes' evolution, moving beyond pure academic funding to holistic student development. The focus on mental health resources, in particular, addresses a critical and contemporary need in higher education environments. The pledge from the 1986 batch is set to leave a permanent mark on the IIT Kanpur campus, transforming both its physical landscape and its support systems for years ahead.
