IIT Roorkee Alumni Association (IITRAA), along with its Delhi Chapter, organized ‘Pratishtha’, a global alumni meet at AICTE Auditorium, Delhi today. This landmark event commemorated the 175th year of IIT Roorkee and was graced by the distinguished alumni of the venerable institute and included Shri Sushil Chandra, former CEC, GoI, as the Chief Guest and Shri Pankaj Kumar, Director (Offshore), ONGC as the Guest of Honour. A special souvenir in the form of a book capturing the major highlights of IIT Roorkee (IITR) from its birth in 1847 to 175 years later, today, was also released on occasion to warm approbation by the attendees.

The day-long event attracted in strong numbers the alumni of IITR and their families from all over the world and included not only panel discussions and technical sessions but was also marked by a host of knowledge sessions on future trends, job hacks, entertainment, and fun-filled activities such as a Kavi Sammelan, Networking lunch, and start-up pitch sessions. In addition to these, the event had multiple cultural and social activities, an author’s conclave, and an opportunity for budding entrepreneurs amongst the alumni to connect with potential funders and backers. 

Pratishtha commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp followed by Kulgeet, a musical ensemble rendition. The key dignitaries included Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Vishwamber Singh, President, IIT Roorkee Alumni Association, Dr. Achal Mittal, Vice President of IIT Roorkee Alumni Association, Mr. Vishnukant, Business Head, Renewable Sector ICICI Bank, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Singh, Director, EIL, and Mr. Dinesh Singh Pawar, Secretary, IIT Roorkee Alumni Association.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shri Sushil Chandra, former CEC, GoI, said, “The rich legacy of IIT Roorkee is a matter of great pride and honour for each one of us. This institute and all it stands for have made us what we are, and our alma mater deserves much more than anything we can possibly offer to her as our tribute and respect. I am delighted to note that our students who have graduated from this prestigious institute are doing very well in their careers and the credit for that should go to the core values that IIT Roorkee instilled in them, and these have never changed. I wish this alumni meet, Pratishtha, all the success.”

According to the Guest of Honour, Shri Pankaj Kumar, Director (Offshore), ONGC, “It is a matter of great joy and pleasure indeed to meet with the alumni and also visit my alma mater after all these years. It is important to remember that each of us who has had the good fortune of passing from this institute should consider it our duty to pass on the learnings of the institute to our juniors and perpetuate the great traditions and wisdom of this respected seat of learning.”

Lt. Gen. (Retd) Vishwamber Singh, President, IITRA, said, “We have now been conducting alumni meets with regular timings, commencing with Ullas, the first of these events. As an army person, I understand the essence of cumulative weight and that is why such events are very important for not only each one of us but also for the institute’s legacy and heritage and for the legions of future students. I wish to see more such events taking place at regular intervals.”

Dr Achal Mittal, Vice President of IIT Roorkee Alumni Association provided an overview of Pratishtha and the yeoman efforts that had been constantly and unerringly undertaken by IITRAA for alumni networking and their overall welfare, always.

A key focus of Pratishtha was the Start-up initiative organized under the aegis of IITRAA wherein aspiring and deserving start-up ventures and business ideas were reviewed by a panel of international alumni. A few of these were encouraged by awarding them for innovation, insight, and originality of thought and execution. The culmination of the day-long sessions saw the members presented with mementoes and was capped by a vote of thanks to the audience and to the organizers and supporters. The proceedings were finally concluded with the rendition of the national anthem.