Tata Steel's Global CEO and Managing Director, T V Narendran, made his first official visit to the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) on Friday in his new role as the chairman of the institute's Board of Governors (BoG).
A Warm Welcome and Campus Tour
Upon his arrival at the campus, Narendran was formally received by the director of IIT Patna, T N Singh, and the registrar, A K Thakur. The newly appointed chairman, who was selected for the position by the Union Education Ministry, commenced his visit with an extensive tour of the institute's facilities.
Following the tour, Narendran expressed his approval of the visible advancements at IIT Patna. He noted his satisfaction with the academic progress, ongoing research activities, and the development of campus infrastructure.
Strategic Review and Focus on Innovation
A detailed meeting was subsequently convened in the institute's board room. During this session, senior officials from IIT Patna presented comprehensive updates across several key areas. These included:
- Academic programmes and curriculum developments
- Research and Development (R&D) projects
- Plans for infrastructure expansion
- New institutional initiatives
- Student placement records
- Industry collaborations and active Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
Narendran acknowledged the consistent progress and the culture of innovative work being fostered at the institute. He specifically emphasized a critical area for future growth.
Driving Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
In his interactions, the Tata Steel chief underscored the vital role of educational institutions in nurturing entrepreneurship. He stressed that promoting startups and entrepreneurial spirit among students is crucial for the nation's economic development.
This visit marks a significant step in the leadership transition for IIT Patna, linking top-tier corporate expertise with the goals of a premier technical education institute. Narendran's industry experience is expected to guide the institute's strategic direction, particularly in strengthening industry-academia partnerships and fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and enterprise.
