The alumni of IIT Bombay’s 1967 batch, led by Mr. Dipak Himatsingka and Dr. Arakali Lakshminarayan Ravimohan, spearheaded a campaign to establish the prestigious ‘Prof. N. R. Kamath Distinguished Institute Chair Professorship’ in honor of their esteemed teacher. This chair has become renowned for its ability to attract exceptionally accomplished researchers from around the world to IIT Bombay, showcasing the enduring impact of their visionary mentor on the institute.
The Prof. N. R. Kamath Chair Professorship holds immense prestige, bringing unparalleled visibility and honor to the institute. The opportunity to host these remarkable individuals has been a privilege that greatly benefits the intellectual community of faculty and students at IIT Bombay. Through their visits, workshops, seminars, and interactions with students, these distinguished professors make significant contributions to student learning and academic excellence.
Attending events organized by the chair, students have gained valuable knowledge, sharpened their critical thinking abilities, and improved their collaborative skills. These outcomes have played a pivotal role in nurturing the overall academic excellence of the institute, equipping students with the necessary competencies and knowledge for successful careers in their respective fields of study.
Due to the increase in the intake of students and the doubling of room occupancy, most students preferred to study in study rooms instead of their own rooms. But hostels, especially the old legacy ones, did not have a dedicated study room. Hence with, the generous funding from the class of 1969 has supported the creation of study rooms in hostels 3 & 6.
The batch also has supported the conversion of lighting into campus to LED, which will not only increase the quality of lighting in the institute but also save a significant amount of cost for the institute. These lightings will also help reduce the carbon footprint of the institute and help it towards its aim towards sustainability.
Along with these, the batch also generously supported the Financial Aid Program, which provides aid to economically needy students.
The chair is a term for endowed professorships as a recognition of a faculty member’s contribution to the university in terms of research and academics. It is the highest honor that an academic Institute can confer on its faculty. Our alumni batches have generously donated in establishing chair professorships in different areas.
IIT Bombay’s 1st Class of 1962 established a Chair Professorship titled “Dr. P. K. Kelkar Chair of Excellence in Nanotechnology.” Prof Souvik Mahapatra (2021-2024), Department of Electrical Engineering, currently presides as the chair.
