New Delhi: Infosys co-founder and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) founding chairman Nandan Nilekani has donated Rs 315 crore to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay — among the biggest contributions made to any educational institute in the country.
Nilekani enrolled at IIT Bombay to study electrical engineering in 1973, and this donation marks 50 years of his association with the institute. He signed a memorandum of understanding for the sum with institute director Subhasis Chaudhuri in Bengaluru Tuesday, according to a statement issued by IIT Bombay.
The latest donation brings Nilekani’s total contribution to the institute to Rs 400 crore. The money will help the institute set up centres of excellence and fund research in the fields of artificial intelligence, green energy, and quantum computing, added the statement.
Chaudhuri called the occasion “the beginning of a new era of IIT Bombay”.
“We are extremely delighted to see our illustrious alumnus Nandan Nilekani continuing his foundational & pioneering contributions to the institute,” the statement quoted the director as saying.
“This historic donation will significantly accelerate the growth of IIT Bombay and will firmly set it on a path of global leadership. IIT Bombay is committed to building research and academic excellence that can make India a leader in scientific discovery and its translation towards solving the pressing challenges facing humankind. Nandan’s contribution will catalyse philanthropic contributions towards advancing research & development at universities in India.”
In a statement of his own, Nilekani said, “IIT Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this esteemed Institution, I am grateful to give forward and contribute to its future. This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it is a tribute to the place that has given me so much and a commitment to the students who will shape our world tomorrow”.
Disclosure: Nandan Nilekani is among the distinguished founder-investors of ThePrint. Please click here for details on investors.
Also Read: ‘Suicide note’ found in IIT Bombay student Darshan Solanki’s room indicates ‘caste-based harassment’