IIT Madras recently hosted an extraordinary felicitation ceremony and book launch event, celebrating the achievements of “100 Great IITians – Dedicated to the Service of the Nation”. This remarkable book pays homage to the countless contributions made by IITians towards the progress and development of India.
The book’s main objective is to break the prevailing stereotype that IITians often choose to settle abroad after completing their studies. Commander VK Jaitly, an esteemed alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, conducted extensive research for over four years to assemble the stories of 100 exceptional IITians who have dedicated their lives to serving their homeland. The book features individuals from diverse fields, including Academics, Industry, R&D, DRDO, ISRO, Defense, Adventure, as well as Spiritual and Social Sectors.
During the ceremony, six outstanding IITians residing in Chennai, who are also featured in the book, were honored by the esteemed chief guest, Professor Ravi Bhaskaran, a renowned academician. The awardees included Padmashri CN Raghvendran, a notable architect who has made significant global contributions, Srinivasan Vishwanathan, a versatile CXO, Padma Shri Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, who has revolutionized India through technology, Shri B Santhanam, the CEO of Saint-Gobain India and APAC, Prof Sujatha Srinivasan, recognized for her exceptional work in the development of support equipment for the disabled, and Balaji Sampath, who has dedicated himself to uplifting economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Commander VK Jaitly mentioned during the event that all profits from book sales would be utilized for the betterment of society. Forty percent of the proceeds will fund scholarships for economically weaker students admitted to the 23 IITs, while another forty percent will be allocated for the transformation of Tribal Villages near IIT Kharagpur. Additionally, ten percent will be donated to the PM CARES Fund, and the remaining ten percent will support various social organizations such as Youth4Nation. Notably, Commander Jaitly serves as one of the National Coordinators for Youth4Nation.
The felicitation ceremony took place at the AMM Arunachalam Auditorium in ICSR, with the unwavering support of Prof V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras. The event, efficiently led by Prof Devendra Jalihal, the Director Designate of IIT Guwahati, was graced by the presence of Rajah Venkat, President of the IIT Kharagpur Alumni Foundation India, as well as many other IITians, students, and distinguished veterans from the defense services.
Described as a must-read for engineering students and individuals who uphold the values of society and nation, this 429-page multi-colored hardbound book is published by Excel Publishers. Its unveiling marks a significant milestone in recognizing and appreciating the extraordinary contributions made by IITians towards the service of the nation.
IIT Madras Honors Great IITians Dedicated to the Service of the Nation is an article that highlights the achievements of IITians and aims to break the stereotype that they often choose to settle abroad after completing their studies. The book, “100 Great IITians – Dedicated to the Service of the Nation,” pays homage to the contributions made by IITians towards the progress and development of India.
One important trend in the current market is the increasing emphasis on social impact and giving back to society. This book, which recognizes IITians who have dedicated their lives to serving their homeland, aligns with this trend. It showcases individuals from diverse fields, including Academics, Industry, R&D, Defense, and Social Sectors, highlighting the wide range of ways in which IITians contribute to the nation.
Forecasting indicates that the demand for skilled professionals in various sectors will continue to grow, and IITians, with their strong technical background, will remain highly sought after. The book can serve as an inspiration for current and future IIT students to consider how they can use their skills to make a positive impact on the nation.
However, one key challenge associated with the subject is the brain drain issue. While the book aims to break the stereotype that IITians settle abroad, the fact remains that many talented individuals still choose to pursue opportunities outside of India. This poses a challenge in retaining skilled professionals within the country and utilizing their expertise for national development.
Advantages of recognizing and honoring IITians dedicated to the service of the nation include:
1. Inspiration and Role Models: The book serves as a source of inspiration for current and future IIT students, showcasing successful individuals who have made significant contributions to society. It provides role models for young minds to emulate.
2. Social Impact: The book’s proceeds being used for scholarships, tribal village transformation, and donations to social organizations demonstrate a commitment to social impact and the betterment of society.
Disadvantages of the brain drain associated with IITians settling abroad include:
1. Loss of Talent: When talented individuals choose to settle abroad, it results in a loss of skilled professionals who could contribute to the nation’s development.
2. Limited Retention of Expertise: The expertise and knowledge gained by IITians abroad may not be fully utilized within India, leading to missed opportunities for innovation and growth.
For further information on IIT Madras, you can visit their official website: IIT Madras.