(Foundation Day celebrates the Institute’s commitment to Viksit Bharat through technology, integrity, and inclusive growth)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
JODHPUR | 3 AUGUST 2025
The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur celebrated its 18th Foundation Day with a grand ceremony held at Lecture Hall Complex-I, reaffirming its mission of excellence in teaching, research, and nation-building.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India; Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Jodhpur; and Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal, Director, IIT Jodhpur.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Agarwal reflected on the institute’s journey:
“As IIT Jodhpur celebrates its 18th Foundation Day, we stand at a transformative juncture, emerging as a truly next-generation institution for a Viksit Bharat. Over the years, our institute has seen remarkable growth—our student strength has grown to over 6700+, including UG, PG, and Ph.D. scholars, with students hailing from across India and abroad. The faculty body has expanded significantly, with 280+ current faculty at present and new 19 faculty offers made in June 2025, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and mentoring.
The Institute comprises of 14 departments and interdisciplinary schools, and multiple IDRPs and Centres of Excellence, offering cutting-edge programs—from Drone & Anti-Drone Technology, Bridge Engineering, and Smart Product Design to a pioneering Online B.Sc./BS in Applied AI and Data Science. Teaching in मातृभाषा (Hindi) has been embraced with over 100 students already enrolled, and academic structures have been reformed to promote flexibility, research, and early Ph.D. completion.
This year, we inaugurated the Manekshaw Centre of Excellence for National Security Studies, launched a new MedTech Centre, and introduced a Dual-Degree system and Sports Quota in M.Sc. programs. We’ve also strengthened our executive education programs, facilitated international collaborations, and enhanced infrastructure—new lecture halls, hostels, gyms, and co-working spaces now enrich the campus ecosystem.
With a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and student well-being, we continue to foster an ecosystem of excellence, aligned with national priorities. Our vision for IIT Jodhpur 5.0 is clear: empowering the next generation of engineers, leaders, and thinkers for a technologically driven, inclusive, and sustainable India.”
Chairman Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar remarked:
“India today demonstrates indigenous technological strength to serve society. Institutions like IIT Jodhpur are central to this progress by developing innovative solutions and nurturing talent for the future.”
Chief Guest Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded the institute’s role in addressing regional and national challenges:
“IIT Jodhpur is creating not just engineers but future mentors and leaders. Its initiatives across water, energy, and education are paving the path for a stronger Rajasthan and a stronger India.”
Institute Awards and Citations
On this occasion, the Institute conferred several prestigious Research and Meritorious Service Awards to recognize the exemplary work of faculty and staff.
IIT Jodhpur confers the Senior Researcher Award (Engineering) to Dr. Ankur Gupta for his outstanding contributions in research, innovation, and technology development in Mechanical Engineering.
A prolific researcher with 100+ publications, 9 patents, and multiple prestigious fellowships, Dr. Gupta exemplifies academic and scientific excellence.
Dr. Ramesh K. Metre is conferred the Senior Researcher Award (Science) for his outstanding contributions to chemical sciences through impactful research, publications, and innovation.
With 45+ peer-reviewed papers and prestigious awards like the Teaching Excellence Award (2023) and SERB Early Career Research Award, he exemplifies scientific excellence at IIT Jodhpur.
IIT Jodhpur confers the Young Researcher Award (Engineering) to Dr. Aashish Mathur for his outstanding contributions in Electrical Engineering research and innovation.
With over 50 publications and multiple national recognitions, Dr. Mathur exemplifies excellence in early-career scientific pursuit.
Dr. Suraj Srivastava is awarded the Young Researcher Award (Engineering) for his remarkable contributions to Electrical Engineering through high-impact research and innovation.
A recipient of prestigious fellowships and author of 70+ research papers, he represents emerging excellence in science and technology at IIT Jodhpur.
Dr. Chandan Pandey is honoured with the Young Researcher Award (Engineering) for his exceptional research contributions in Mechanical Engineering.
With over 210 publications and multiple national accolades, he exemplifies research excellence and innovation at IIT Jodhpur.
Dr. Hardik Kothadia receives the Young Researcher Award (Engineering) for his outstanding contributions to Mechanical Engineering through impactful research and innovation.
With 80+ publications, 5 patents, and international recognitions, he stands out as a dynamic early-career researcher at IIT Jodhpur.
Dr. Anuj Pal Kapoor is awarded the Young Researcher Award (HSS & Management) for his impactful contributions to research in management and behavioural sciences.
With international fellowships and 20+ publications, he reflects IIT Jodhpur’s growing strength in interdisciplinary and global research.
Dr. Sandip Murarka is conferred the Research Excellence Award for his high-impact publication in AngewandteChemie International Edition (IF 16.6), advancing the field of organic chemistry.
A globally recognized researcher, he continues to elevate IIT Jodhpur’s research presence on the international stage.
Dr. Ankur Gupta is awarded the Research Excellence Award for his high-impact publication in Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials (IF 21.8), showcasing innovative work in sustainable water treatment technologies.
His research exemplifies global excellence and strengthens IIT Jodhpur’s leadership in advanced engineering solutions.
Dr. Subrata Chakraborty and Prof. Manikandan Paranjothy are jointly awarded the Research Excellence Award for their impactful publication in ACS Catalysis (IF 13.1), advancing sustainable catalysis and CO₂ conversion.
Their collaborative research reflects IIT Jodhpur’s commitment to cutting-edge chemical innovation with global relevance.
Dr. Vandana Sharma Memorial Award for Teaching Innovation :
Dr. Sumit Kalra is honoured with the Teaching Innovation Award for his pioneering, student-centric pedagogical approaches that blend technology, creativity, and inclusivity in postgraduate classrooms.
From AI-powered chatbots to Gen Z-friendly assessments, his innovations exemplify impactful and engaging teaching at IIT Jodhpur.
Dr. Bhushan Praveen Jangam is awarded the Teaching Innovation Award for his experiential and data-driven pedagogy that brings real-world relevance to management education.
His interactive teaching, rooted in policy and fintech trends, fosters critical thinking and deep conceptual learning at IIT Jodhpur.
Meritorious Staff Awards:
- Mr. Baikuntha Nath Sahu (Assistant Registrar) – Honoured for his critical contributions across 10+ key portfolios and 30+ committees. Notably led IIT Jodhpur to achieve a 100% RTI Audit Score and advanced major international collaborations.
- Ms. Preetinder Kaur (Assistant Registrar, PRO) – Recognized for strengthening IIT Jodhpur’s media visibility and institutional branding through high-quality content, PR strategy, and leadership communication.
- Mr. Mayank Sharma (Assistant Audit Officer) – Acknowledged for auditing over 5,000 files and coordinating key processes with CAG teams, ensuring compliance and transparency.
- Ms. Rashmi Dhyani (Junior Superintendent) – Praised for her exceptional role in managing academic operations, student services, and process digitization beyond core responsibilities.
- Mr. Shashank Choudhary (Senior Assistant) – Commended for his contributions in academic coordination, admissions, record management, and procurement in the School of Liberal Arts.
Director’s Meritorious Service Awards:
- Mr. Naresh Joshi (Deputy Registrar) – Recognized for digitization of accounts, ERP integration, and introducing fee payment innovations including low-cost EMI options.
- Mr. Darsh Kumar Khatwani (Superintendent) – Awarded for administrative excellence, especially in faculty recruitment, onboarding, and high-level meeting coordination.
- Mr. Sujeet Kumar (Officer on Special Duty) – Applauded for policy facilitation, coordination, and seamless handling of logistics during VIP visits and institutional reforms.
The Director extended heartfelt congratulations to all awardees, stating:
“These recognitions reaffirm our core values of commitment, excellence, and service. We are proud of the individuals who continue to drive the Institute forward.”
The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold the vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with IIT Jodhpur at the forefront of technological, academic, and ethical leadership.
Advertisement:
Add Comment