Celebrating the Legacy of IITians: Honoring Service to the Nation
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In a vibrant ceremony resonating with pride and reverence, the illustrious grounds of IIT Madras bore witness to a momentous occasion—the launch of “100 Great IITians – Dedicated to the Service of the Nation”. This distinguished event, orchestrated by the institution, marked not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a profound tribute to the indelible contributions of IIT alumni towards the progress and prosperity of India.
Dispelling the common notion of IITians seeking opportunities abroad, Commander VK Jaitly, an esteemed alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, embarked on a mission to showcase a different narrative. Over the span of four diligent years, he meticulously curated the narratives of 100 exceptional IITians, each embodying a resolute commitment to the betterment of their homeland. These individuals, hailing from diverse spheres encompassing academia, industry, research, defense, and even spiritual and social sectors, stand as luminous beacons of national service.
At the heart of the event lay a profound acknowledgment of six outstanding IITians residing in Chennai, whose remarkable achievements were lauded by the esteemed Chief Guest, Professor Ravi Bhaskaran, a luminary in the academic realm. Amongst these distinguished individuals were Padmashri CN Raghvendran, a globally renowned architect whose contributions have left an indelible mark, Srinivasan Vishwanathan, a versatile CXO, and Padma Shri Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, whose technological innovations have propelled India forward. Additionally, the ceremony honored B Santhanam, a prominent figure in industry and societal development, Prof Sujatha Srinivasan, recognized for her pioneering work in aiding the disabled, and Balaji Sampath, whose efforts have uplifted economically marginalized sections of society.
Commander VK Jaitly elucidated that the proceeds from the book’s sales would be wholly dedicated to societal upliftment initiatives. Forty percent of the profits would be allocated towards scholarships for economically disadvantaged students enrolling in the 23 IITs, while an equal portion would be directed towards the transformation of Tribal Villages in proximity to IIT Kharagpur. Furthermore, ten percent would be contributed to the PM CARES Fund, with the remaining ten percent designated for various social organizations, including Youth4Nation, where Commander Jaitly serves as a National Coordinator.
The event, held at the esteemed AMM Arunachalam Auditorium within the ICSR premises, garnered unwavering support from the Director of IIT Madras, Prof V Kamakoti, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of service and excellence. Steering the proceedings with commendable efficiency was Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director Designate of IIT Guwahati, ensuring a seamless and punctual affair. Amongst the distinguished attendees was Rajah Venkat, President of the IIT Kharagpur Alumni Foundation India, alongside numerous IIT alumni, students, and distinguished veterans from the defense services.
Final Thoughts
In essence, the launch of “100 Great IITians – Dedicated to the Service of the Nation” epitomized not only a celebration of academic brilliance but also a heartfelt homage to the spirit of service ingrained within the ethos of IITians. It stood as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication of individuals towards the betterment of society, reaffirming the pivotal role of IIT alumni in shaping the destiny of a nation.
