Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) celebrated the 74th Republic Day today with patriotic fervour and an expression of gratitude towards members of its community. The day witnessed a series of momentous events that represented the spirit of unity and diversity of our country.

Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, unfurled the National Flag to begin the Republic Day celebrations at IITGN. In a first-of-its-kind parade in an educational institution, the security personnel and students of the Institute were joined by the housekeeping staff of the campus for a March Past. IITGN felicitated many of its essential services staff and non-teaching staff, including horticulture and housekeeping staff, security personnel, teacher for construction workers’ children, electrician, grocery store owner, food and hospitality staff, institute engineers, physical training instructor, to honour their persistent services and dedication to the Institute over the years. The Institute also conferred Faculty Excellence Awards to four faculty members for excellence in teaching, research, institution building, and outreach activities.

The students, faculty, and staff of IITGN performed very well during their respective Inter-IIT Sports Meets in the year 2022 and brought home many medals. Recognising their efforts and extraordinary performance, they were presented with Awards for Achievement in Sports. Winners of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research Showcase and students on the Dean’s list for excellent academic performance in Semester-I of 2022-23 were also felicitated during the event.

Addressing the gathering and reflecting on the achievements and spirit of our nation, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, said, “Due to the untiring efforts of the great leaders and freedom fighters of our nation, we are all fortunate to have been born in an independent India. Republic Day also signifies unity and national pride. Since the adoption of India’s Constitution to become a republic nation on 26th January 1950, the country has passed through many transformational phases and made its mark in the world with exemplary growth in various sectors. Now we, the citizens of this great nation, need to rededicate ourselves to build even a stronger, developed, and self-reliant nation.”

Emphasising the role of technology in the nation’s development, Prof Moona said, “The growth of India is truly harnessed by the adoption of cutting-edge technology. In the past few years, there has been tremendous growth in this sphere, with IITs being at the helm of it through their significant contributions in various areas of research, design, and development. It is therefore rightly felt that India of tomorrow will be defining the world and the technology of the future.” He concluded his speech by reciting a few lines of a patriotic poem.

On this occasion, Prof Moona also released a booklet - ‘IIT Gandhinagar in News’ – that presents a glimpse of the news coverage about the Institute, its programmes, initiatives, research, and achievements in various local, national, and international news media during the year 2022.

Emphasising the inclusive philosophy of IITGN, the day also witnessed a grand ‘Bada Khana’ (a feast) for nearly 3500 people, where all stakeholders who are directly or indirectly involved in the campus development and management, from the Director to construction workers, contractors, project monitoring units, maintenance agencies, students, faculty, staff and their family members, came together for a meal as one large family.

Adding to the Republic Day spirit, the Sports Council of IITGN conducted an exciting Surya Namaskar competition, and the Library of the Institute featured a replica of the Indian Constitution, showcased a flipbook of some key pages from our Constitution, along with a book exhibition and a virtual exhibition for the occasion.

In the evening, the Cultural Council of IITGN is going to host a cultural programme, where students and community members will unleash their creative side and perform dance, music, poetry, and other cultural activities to celebrate the spirit of our nation.