The Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Roorkee celebrated its 175th Foundation Day today, November 25th, 2022, in the auspicious presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The event was also graced by the esteemed presence of Vineet Pandey, Secretary, Department of Post, Government of India, as the Guest of Honor.
Congratulating IIT Roorkee for its glorious 175 years, Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, said, "I congratulate IIT Roorkee as it continues to be in the forefront of the pursuit of research and has contributed to the nation and the region. This institute has unwaveringly aimed at attaining global levels of excellence in education and creating a sustainable and equitable society through innovative research."
"I am sure IIT Roorkee will continue to serve the nation and build competency and recognition for India as a Vishwa Guru."
The 175th Foundation Day celebration started with a flag hoisting and an address by Professor B V R Mohan Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee, and Professor K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, on the Historical Aspects of the foundation day.
IIT Roorkee has a strong entrepreneurial culture. The institute has many alumni who are founders of successful technological and social ventures in India and abroad. These alumni are playing an important role in maintaining IIT Roorkee's legacy of excellence and contributing to the nation building, especially in infrastructure.
The institute began its journey in 1847 as the First Engineering College in the British Empire. It has since progressed rapidly with many pioneering initiatives in engineering education, Research and Development (R&D), societal impact, and international collaborations.
IIT Roorkee is constantly working towards imparting technical education and contributing to the development of society. One major highlight of the 175th Foundation Day celebration at IIT Roorkee was the Startup Expo 2022, which featured around 130 start-ups supported by the Institute's Start-up Ecosystem.
Around 50 start-ups showcased their product/ technology in the domain, including Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare, and Electric Vehicles, among others, to 100+ industries from the Uttarakhand region.
Congratulating IIT Roorkee on completing 175 years of excellence, Professor B V R Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee, said,"I am happy to see the constant efforts being made by IIT Roorkee to improve its perception among our peers on the global stage. I congratulate the Institute and all stakeholders for their tireless hard work to achieve this milestone. I am glad to see the strong entrepreneurial culture at IIT Roorkee, and I am confident that continued innovative efforts will be made by the Institute to maintain its legacy of excellence."
"Our Institute has not only been the pioneer in the field of research and innovation but also fostered the academia-industry relationship for the larger interest of society and the nation."
The 175th Foundation Day event also witnessed the release of a commemorative Stamp, Coin, and a Coffee Table Book. Along with this, with an objective to highlight the antiquity of IIT Roorkee's illustrious history.
As a part of the year-long celebration to mark 175 years (1847-2022) of establishment, IIT Roorkee organised various activities on Academic, International Relations, Sports, Research, Alumni, and Student outreach fronts.
Talking about the year-long celebration, Professor Arun Kumar, Chairperson, 175 Years Celebration Committee, IIT Roorkee, said, "Showcasing the journey of IIT Roorkee based on the ideas of the institute community, outreaching to the global fraternity and connecting to high ranking scientists, recognising the magnificence journey of the instate of Govt of India through commemorative coin and stamp have been successfully achieved through yearlong celebrations with eth support from one and all.
