The man of integration, Nandan Nilekani donates 375 crores to IIT Bombay
Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Chairman of Infosys Ltd. and Founding Chairman of UIDAI (roughly known as Aadhar card), has generously donated INR 315 Crores ($38.5 Million) to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, his alma mater. This substantial contribution solidifies his 50-year association with the institute and supplements his previous grants of INR 85 Crores, bringing the total value of his support to INR 400 Crores. The donation aims to facilitate the development of top-notch infrastructure, advance research in emerging fields of engineering and technology, and foster a thriving deep tech startup ecosystem at IIT Bombay.
The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place in Bengaluru, where Nandan Nilekani and Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director of IIT Bombay, affirmed the collaboration. This significant donation serves as a cornerstone for IIT Bombay’s ambitious vision of attaining global leadership among engineering and technology institutes while making substantial contributions to nation-building efforts.
Nilekani’s journey with IIT Bombay began in 1973 when he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. The donation commemorates his golden jubilee association with the institution and showcases his enduring connection with his alma mater. It also stands as one of the largest contributions made by an alumnus in India.
Expressing his thoughts on the donation, Nandan Nilekani stated, “IIIT-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”
Director Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri hailed this donation as the dawning of a new era for IIT Bombay. He remarked, “We are extremely delighted to see our illustrious alumnus Nandan Nilekani, continuing his foundational & pioneering contributions to the Institute. 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.”
Such gestures have so far been exhibited by alumni of foreign universities. This large a donation speaks many things about the growth, prosperity and mindset of India. Nandan Nilekani’s philanthropic gesture will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on IIT Bombay, empowering it to thrive as a globally renowned institution and empowering future generations of students to make a transformative contribution to society.
Nice 👍