Vani Jha
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has received USD 11 million dollars donation from alumni Jitendra Mohan and Swapna Samant. The induced donation aims at supporting women faculty members in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and enhancing the institute’s semiconductor technology.
“A key focus of their contribution is the Vidya Sharma Chair Professorship in Electrical Engineering which is dedicated to supporting women faculty members in STEM,” said IIT Bombay’s official statement.
This initiative reflects its commitment to “gender inclusivity in academia and their aspiration to foster an environment” where women scientists and researchers can grow, said the institute.
IIT Bombay: Other donations, alumni thoughts
The total pledged amount at IIT Bombay, by class of 1999 or the 2024- silver jubilee batch, had added up to Rs 21.2 crores towards the Legacy Project directed at the institutes’ betterment at large.
This, according to IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare, is the “unmatched act of magnanimity” by Mr. Jitendra Mohan and Ms. Swapna Samant, which goes to show that the impact of alumni engagement can be very strong on the Institute’s journey towards excellence. This contribution strengthens the position of IIT Bombay as a hub of innovation and inclusivity, mirroring the transformative power of giving back.
IIT Bombay shaped us during some of the most important years of our life, providing us with a strong foundation for long-term professional success. We are grateful for all that we got from IITB and are honored to give back and contribute towards academic opportunities and student well-being,” Mohan and Samant said.
The donation will aid in the increase of “IIT Bombay’s vision for growth and excellence as well as the institute’s leadership in semiconductor research,” a statement said.
“Alumni philanthropy continues to build it’s legacy of innovation and empower future generations by championing forward-looking initiatives, towards a more equitable future,” said the institute.
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Conclusion
The donation of $11 million by Jitendra Mohan and Swapna Samant makes the alumni philanthropy at IIT Bombay powerfully transformative. The focus on gender inclusivity as well as advancement in semiconductor technology strengthens the position of the institute as a leader in innovation, but it also promises an equal future for the academic sphere. Alumni give back to help form IIT Bombay into a hub of excellence all over the world, enabling the next generations of scientists and engineers to grow into their own capacities.