IIT Kanpur Alumni Donate Rs 13.40 Crore at 1976 Batch Golden Jubilee

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) received a generous contribution of Rs 13.40 crore from its Class of 1976 alumni during the Golden Jubilee Reunion celebrations. The donation, announced at the event held on campus, is intended to support key academic, research and institutional initiatives at the institute.

Golden Jubilee Fundraising Surpasses Target

The batch, which gathered for its 50-year reunion, initially aimed to raise Rs 10 crore for their alma mater’s development projects. However, the final contribution exceeded expectations, culminating in a total of Rs 13.40 crore pledged by alumni present at the event. The reunion brought together former students from across India and overseas, offering an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, revisit campus life and engage with the institute’s leadership, faculty and current students.

Institute Leadership Speaks on Alumni Support

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, described the Golden Jubilee Reunion as not only a celebration of personal milestones but also a reaffirmation of the enduring relationship between the alumni and the institute. He said the generous contribution will play an important role in strengthening IIT Kanpur’s academic programmes, research ecosystem and broader institutional development for future generations of students. Muktesh Pant, speaking on behalf of the Class of 1976, highlighted the batch’s tradition of collective giving and ongoing engagement with IIT Kanpur. He recalled how a previous contribution from the batch nearly 25 years ago was invested prudently and later channelled into pioneering research projects, including work in artificial heart research at the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology.

Alumni Engagement and Institutional Impact

Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni, noted that alumni remain one of IIT Kanpur’s greatest strengths. He said the Class of 1976 exemplifies lifelong connection with the institute and that their generous pledge is expected to enhance student opportunities, faculty excellence and institutional capacity, while inspiring younger alumni to stay connected and contribute back. The donation underscores a growing culture of alumni philanthropy in Indian higher education, where former students play a direct role in supporting their institutions’ long-term growth and global competitiveness. The IIT Kanpur Golden Jubilee Reunion not only celebrated five decades of shared experiences but also highlighted how alumni contributions can help shape the institute’s future — academically, technologically and socially.