S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Guwahati hosted the PanIIT World of Technology (PIWOT) Meet 2025. It is a premier event showcasing innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges, with a special emphasis on uplifting rural communities.
This prestigious gathering, a satellite event of the recently concluded Global PanIIT Conference 2025 in Mumbai, highlighted IIT Guwahati’s leadership in advancing technological excellence and fostering entrepreneurship.
Bringing together
PIWOT 2025 brought together a distinguished assembly of alumni, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the globe, say sources from IIT Guwahati.
Organised in collaboration with the WHEELS Global Foundation—a philanthropic initiative of IIT alumni focused on Water, Health, Energy, Education, Livelihood, and Sustainability—the event underscored the pivotal role of technology in driving rural development.
Eminent guests
he event was graced by Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary of Assam, as Chief Guest.
Other esteemed attendees included Mr. Suresh V. Shenoy, Vice President of WHEELS Global Foundation; Prof. D. N. Buragohain, Founding Director, IIT Guwahati; and Prof. Gautam Barua, Former Director, IIT Guwahati.
Their presence emphasised the institute’s journey toward academic and technological excellence.
Director of IIT Guwahati
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said he extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests and delegates.
Over the past three decades, IIT Guwahati has evolved into one of the country’s top institutions, he said.
This Pan-IIT satellite event underscores our commitment to innovation and societal impact, exemplified by initiatives such as the Advanced Health Initiative and the establishment of new schools in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Health Sciences, said director of IIT Guwahati.
As we aim to elevate our institution further, your insights will inspire the next generation to shape a better future for India and the world, he said.
Initiative
Prof. Jalihal introduced participants to the institute’s ambitious initiative, the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII).
This transformative project, spanning 15 acres on the IIT Guwahati campus, will feature a postgraduate teaching and research hospital.
Supported by the Government of Assam, AAHII is slated for completion by 2027, representing a significant milestone in advancing healthcare and education in the region.
Chief guest
Dr. Ravi Kota emphasised the importance of collaboration in nation-building. He said, Institutions like IIT Guwahati are at the forefront of shaping India’s future, he said.
The contributions of IITians globally exemplify innovation and progress. Today’s event celebrates the spirit of unity and the shared vision that drives our nation forward, he said.
It’s not just about resources but about the people and ideas that fuel growth and collaboration, he said.
Job creation
Mr. Suresh V. Shenoy, Vice President. WHEELS Global Foundation, encouraged the IIT Guwahati community to be job creators rather than job seekers, emphasising the moral imperative of giving back to society through nation-building and philanthropy.
Key attractions
One of the key attractions of PIWOT 2025 was the Tech Exhibition, featuring over 50 cutting-edge innovations by IIT Guwahati’s students and researchers.
Notable exhibits included Dried Milk and Turmeric Mix for health benefits, Electronic Bandages for faster healing, Ultra-Cooling Technology for fruit preservation, and Husk-Based Construction Material for sustainable housing.
Speeches
Additionally, the event included keynote speeches and panel discussions on topics like sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and healthcare technology. Prominent speakers included:
# Siddhartha Choudhary, industrialist in defense and aerospace, who inspired students with his entrepreneurial journey.
# Ambassador Pradeep Kapur, former foreign service officer and author, who advocated for addressing rural challenges through optimised solutions.
# Dr. Raj Shah, eminent cardiologist, and Dr. Lakshmanan, IAS, MD NHM, who discussed leveraging technology for accessible and affordable healthcare in Assam.
Celebration
Another key highlight of the event was celebration of the accomplishments of the IIT Guwahati Alumni through:
· Distinguished Alumni Award: Conferred to Prof. Prateek Mittal of Princeton University.
. Young Alumni Achiever Awards: Presented to Ayush Thakur, founder of FR8relay, and Saurabh Nangia, Founder & CEO of Mesh.ai, for their outstanding contributions.
Honour
Prof. Prateek Mittal reflected on his journey. He said, “It is an incredible honor to return to IIT Guwahati, a place that shaped my academic and professional foundation.
My time here fostered a passion for research and innovation. As I look back, I encourage students to pursue their dreams with resilience, he said.
Failure is inevitable, but success requires just one breakthrough. I owe much of my success to the mentorship and support I received here, he said.
Vote of thanks
In her vote of thanks, Dr. Sumana Dutta, Dean, Alumni and External Relations, IIT Guwahati, expressed her gratitude to the PanIIT alumni and the WHEELS Foundation for their unwavering support.
She highlighted the focus on India’s Northeast as a beacon of growth and collaboration.
Conclusion
PIWOT 2025 concluded as a resounding success, epitomizing the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and societal transformation, and setting the stage for advancements that will shape the future of everyday lives.
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