IIT Roorkee Snippets

April, 2025

Dear Alumni,
Greetings from your Alma Mater!

We are thrilled to share the Snippet of April 2025. March was filled with numerous events, and we began April with the Horiba Award Ceremony. Additionally, this month, two more donor-based award ceremonies were also organised.

Hope you like the updates.

Best regards,

Prof. R.D. Garg
Dean of Resources & Alumni Affairs (DORA)
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

Donor Initiated Award Ceremonies

Horiba Award Ceremony 2025 at IITR:

HORIBA India, a wholly owned subsidiary of HORIBA, Ltd., Japan, extended a one-time partial tuition fee waiver of Rs.66,000/- each to the 30 meritorious students of IITR from 12 different departments in recognition of their academic excellence under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. They recognised and rewarded outstanding academic performers through the HORIBA Talent Hunt Scholarship. The award ceremony was held on April 2, 2025. Esteemed Dignitaries Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, Dr. Rajeev Gautam, Senior Corporate Officer, Horiba Ltd., Japan, and President, Horiba India, Prof. R D Garg, Dean of Resources & Alumni Affairs (DORA), IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Yogesh Vijay Hote, Chairperson, Senate Committee for Scholarship & Prizes (SCSP), IIT Roorkee, felicitated the recipients during the ceremony. HORIBA India also sponsored a project at IIT Roorkee titled “Sustainable Farming”. To mark this collaboration, Prof. K K Pant, Dr. Rajeev Gautam, and Prof. R D Garg exchanged the MOU file. Read More

Heritage Excellence Award Ceremony:

DoRA Office, IIT Roorkee, organised the Heritage Excellence Award Ceremony on April 25, 2025, continuing IITR’s proud tradition of recognising outstanding achievements. Heritage Excellence Awards were started in 2009 by IITR Heritage Foundation, USA and approximately 50 students are honoured every year for their exemplary performance across academics, co-curricular, and extracurricular fields. This year, 45 students were awarded for their excellence, with a financial grant of Rs. 11,000/- each. IITR Heritage Foundation partially sponsored E-Summit 2024 by donating Rs. 1,50,000/. The event was graced by Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. R D Garg, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs and Er. Dinesh Singh Pawar, Former Secretary, IITRAA. Additionally, our esteemed alumni Er. Harish Goyal, Er. Aditya Gupta, and Er. Manoj Goel from the IIT Roorkee Heritage Foundation joined the event virtually from USA. The Heritage Excellence Awards continue to highlight the spirit of innovation, dedication, and holistic development in students. Read More

Excellence Award Ceremony - 2025:

The Senate Committee for Scholarships and Prizes (SCSP), IIT Roorkee, organised the donor-sponsored Excellence Award Ceremony on April 30, 2025, led by Prof. Yogesh Hote, Chairman, SCSP. A total of 90 students were recognised and felicitated for their exceptional achievements and academic excellence through the presentation of prizes and certificates. The event was graced by Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. R D Garg, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs; Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, Dean of Students’ Welfare; and Prof. Naveen K. Navani, Dean of Academics, IIT Roorkee. Read More

IIT Roorkee

Class Song – 2025 by IARC:

The Class Song is an annual initiative by the Institute Alumni Relations Cell (IARC), in collaboration with CineSec and Choreo Club IIT Roorkee. It aims to capture the essence of the final year and preserve the memories of the graduating batch through a creative and emotional musical tribute. For Class Song’25, the chosen track is “All Is Well” from the movie 3 Idiots — a fitting anthem of hope, nostalgia, and camaraderie. The video features choreographed performances by final-year students, along with candid glimpses of campus life, making it a cherished send-off and a lasting memory of their time at IIT Roorkee.

International Conference on Vision 2047:

IIT Roorkee actively participated in the International Conference on Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat held on April 24–26, 2025, at NASC Complex, New Delhi. Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, addressed the gathering, underlining the transformative role of Women in STEM and R&D in advancing India's growth towards 2047. Further strengthening its international collaborations, IIT Roorkee, through Prof. Akshay Dvivedi, Dean, Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC), initiated discussions with Prof. Mohan Kolhe from the University of Agder (UiA), Norway, for potential research partnerships in the areas of sustainability, green hydrogen, and innovation ecosystems. The conference brought together eminent scientists, policymakers, and academic leaders to chart India's journey towards sustainable development, economic leadership, and technological self-reliance. IIT Roorkee remains committed to driving national and global transformation through excellence in education, research, and innovation. Read More

AkashaLabdhi Pvt. Ltd. Wins Startup Maharathi 2025:

AkashaLabdhi Pvt. Ltd., an incubated startup at TIDES, IIT Roorkee, has been awarded the prestigious Startup Maharathi 2025 title at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The award was presented by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal during the grand finale of the three-day national startup showcase event, which brought together the country’s most promising innovators and entrepreneurs. AkashaLabdhi Pvt. Ltd. was recognised under the Defence & Space Tech category for its groundbreaking innovation, Antariksh HAB- an expandable orbital habitat designed to meet the critical needs of sustainable space infrastructure. The modular structure aims to support human space missions, cargo logistics, and microgravity research in low-Earth orbit and beyond. With a trial launch scheduled with SpaceX in 2026, AkashaLabdhi’s achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also underscores India’s growing prominence in the global aerospace sector. The recognition further cements the startup’s position as a leader in next-generation space technologies. Read More

IIT Roorkee Hosts Industry-Academia Meet 2025:

IIT Roorkee organised the Industry-Academia Meet 2025 through its Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRD&M) to strengthen academic and industry collaboration. Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, emphasized the need for sustainability-focused innovation, translational research, and curriculum transformation aligned with national goals. The event featured technical sessions, Industry talks, startup exhibitions, and discussions with leading organisations and research laboratories. IIT Roorkee continues to foster innovation, education, and partnerships in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read More

Collaboration with IITR

Mr. Rajnish Khandelwal signed MOU with IITR:

Mr. Rajnish Khandelwal from 1993 batch, Metallurgy, donated Rs. 10 lakhs under the CSR initiative through his company, KIE Engineering Pvt. Ltd. His generous contribution will be utilized to establish a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory named “Development of Casting Design and Simulation Laboratory”. This facility aims to foster innovation, hands-on learning, and cutting-edge research in the field of engineering and technology. Mr. Khandelwal's support, along with the initiative taken by Mr. Dinesh Singh Pawar, marks a significant step towards enhancing academic infrastructure and nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers. The lab is expected to serve as a vital resource for students, faculty, and industry collaborators alike. This initiative reflects not only the philanthropic vision of Mr. Khandelwal but also his commitment to empowering education and technological excellence.

1983 Batch signed revised MOU with IITR:

Prof. Ambalika Sharma (Retd.) and Prof. Tashi Nautiyal (Retd.) from 1983 batch, signed a revised MOU for the “Sarojinites for Sarojinites MCM Scholarship.” The updated MOU, signed on April 11, 2025, at the DoRA office, reflects a significant enhancement in financial support to students, increasing the annual scholarship amount from Rs. 12,000/- to Rs. 26,000/-. This initiative underlines the continued commitment to empowering meritorious and financially constrained students of their alma mater. The revised scholarship aims to create a stronger impact by enabling more students to pursue academic excellence without financial hindrance.

MOU Signing with IITR:

IIT Roorkee, Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ), South Korea, and the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF), UK, have forged a strategic partnership to establish a Smart Innovation Hub in Asia—a bold step toward shaping the future of urban development through global collaboration. The MoU was signed during the ‘Sarvottam Uttar Pradesh’ event at IIT Roorkee’s Greater Noida Campus. Bringing together IIT Roorkee’s academic and research excellence, IFEZ’s world-class infrastructure and policy ecosystem, and WSCF’s global strategic insights, this partnership aims to drive innovation in areas such as smart mobility, digital governance, renewable energy, and citizen-centric urban planning. A state-of-the-art lab will also be developed in Songdo, Incheon, to support cross-border research, tech development, and startup incubation. Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, described the initiative as a pivotal move for sustainable urban innovation. Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma, Hon’ble Minister for IT & Electronics, Uttar Pradesh, mentioned that this partnership positions the state to emerge as a leading hub for smart city solutions. Read More

Alumni in The News

Lt. General Vishwambhar Singh (B.Arch. -1979):

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a premier aerospace and defence electronics enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, has appointed Lt. General Vishwambhar Singh (Retd.) as an Independent Director on its Board. The Ministry of Defence approved his nomination as a Non-Official Director. Lt. General Vishwambhar Singh is a highly decorated Army veteran, known for his exemplary service and academic accomplishments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from IIT Roorkee, graduating in 1979. A versatile achiever, he was named Best Sportsman of the University and won the All India Inter-University Rowing Championship in 1979, held in the Ganga Canal. During his illustrious career in the Indian Army, Lt. General Singh was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). In addition to his military and academic credentials, he has been serving as an Independent Director on the Board of Projects & Development India Ltd (PDIL) since January 2022, reinforcing his longstanding contribution to public sector leadership and governance. IIT Roorkee congratulate Lt. General Vishwambhar Singh on achieving this success. Read More

Prof. Arun Kumar (B.E.-Civil-1979 & Ph.D. 2008):

IIT Roorkee congratulates Prof. Arun Kumar on receiving the CBIP Individual Award 2024 for his outstanding contributions to the Water Resources sector. This prestigious recognition, presented by the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), highlights his remarkable impact in advancing research, innovation, and sustainable solutions in water resource management, power, and renewable energy. The award, conferred at a distinguished ceremony in New Delhi, reflects his dedication and the collective efforts of the academic and industry community in shaping the future of the water and energy sectors. Read More

Dr. Rajeev Gautam (M.Sc. 1985 & Ph.D. 1990 BioSciences):

Dr. Rajeev Gautam is promoted as Senior Corporate Officer – HORIBA Ltd., Japan. As the driving force behind HORIBA India, Dr. Gautam oversees the company’s operations across diverse verticals, including medical diagnostics, scientific instruments, and environmental solutions. Under his exceptional leadership and dedication, HORIBA India has achieved significant milestones, emphasising precision, quality, and innovation in diagnostic solutions. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his invaluable contributions. IIT Roorkee wishes him continued success in this new role!. Read More

Prof. Deepak Khare (Ph.D., Civil, 1994 – WRDM):

IIT Roorkee congratulates Prof. Deepak Khare, BIS Standardization Chair Professor, on receiving the “Award of Excellence” under the BIS-Academia Collaboration (2024–2025) at the Annual Convention held on 08–09 April 2025 in Indore. The award, presented by Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari (IAS), Director General, BIS, recognizes his outstanding initiatives, including a compulsory BIS course for 1350+ first-year students and the launch of 14 BIS Standard Clubs at IIT Roorkee. In addition to that, a large number of activities are being undertaken under the dynamic leadership of Prof. K K Pant, Director IIT Roorkee. IITR gratefully acknowledges this prestigious recognition by BIS and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and quality through continued collaboration in the field of standardisation. A well-deserved honour that reflects IIT Roorkee’s leadership in promoting standardisation and quality.

Mr. Shantanu Agarwal (B.E.-Chemical-2002):

Mr. Shantanu Agarwal-led Mati Carbon has won the $50 million grand prize in the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, an initiative funded by Elon Musk’s foundation to accelerate solutions for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The award was announced on April 23, 2025, recognising Mati Carbon’s scalable and science-backed approach to climate mitigation. The startup uses an enhanced rock weathering model, which captures Carbon Dioxide while boosting crop yields for farmers. Mati, which works with farmers in India, Tanzania and Zambia, spreads crushed basalt on farmers' fields to accelerate a natural weathering process. IIT Roorkee congratulates him on achieving this success. Read More

IIT Roorkee Congratulates it's alumni on Securing Prestigious Ranks in Public Services

IIT Roorkee congratulates its alumni for securing commendable ranks in the All India Public Service examinations. Their dedication, perseverance, and success serve as a powerful source of inspiration for current IITR students as they pursue their own aspirations. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued success and meaningful contributions in your roles in public service.

Ms. Komal Punia (B.Tech. - Engineering Physics - 2021):

Ms. Komal Punia, a trainee IPS officer from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 6 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, marking a significant milestone in her journey towards Public Services. Her journey reflects hard work, focus, and belief in her IAS dream. In her second attempt in 2023, she secured an All India Rank of 474, earning her a place in the Indian Police Service (IPS). With unshaken focus, she made her third attempt in UPSC CSE 2024 – and this time, she soared to success with a phenomenal All India Rank 6. Her success is a moment of immense pride for the IIT Roorkee community and an inspiration to current and future students across disciplines. We applaud her remarkable journey and wish her continued success in her career in public service.

Mr. Ketan Shukla (B.Tech.-Electrical-2020):

Mr. Ketan Shukla, an IPS probationer, has achieved an outstanding All India Rank of 75 in the UPSC 2024 examination, successfully realising his dream. He had previously cleared the Civil Services Examination with a rank of 156. IIT Roorkee congratulates him on this remarkable achievement in such a short span and takes great pride in his success. Read More

Ms. Saloni Gautam (Integrated M.Tech.- Geological Technology-2020):

IIT Roorkee congratulates Ms. Saloni Gautam on securing an impressive All India Rank 127 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Ms. Gautam had cleared the Civil Services Examination in 2022 earlier and is currently serving in the Indian Railway Management Service (Accounts), undergoing training in Secunderabad, Telangana. IIT Roorkee takes pride in the outstanding achievements of its alumni and wishes Ms. Gautam continued success in her journey of public service and nation-building.

Mr. Rajat Singh (B.Tech.-Chemical-2020):

Mr. Rajat Singh secured an impressive All India Rank of 132 in his fourth attempt at the Civil Services Examination. In 2022, He successfully cleared the UPSC exam and joined the Indian Railway Services. His father, R.K. Singh, serves as a District Forest Officer in Auraiya, while his mother, Pratima Singh, is a homemaker. IIT Roorkee extends its congratulations to him for achieving this remarkable success in a short period. Read More

IIT Roorkee Congratulates following alumni for their sucess in Civil Services exminination 2024:

Himanshu Kadian (B.Tech.,Civil Engineering, 2021) – AIR 209
Sushant Kumar (B.Tech.,Electrical Engineering, 2020) – AIR 405
Harsh Dabaria (B.Tech.,Mechanical Engineering, 2020) – AIR 685
Mayank Bhushan (IMS,Applied Mathematics, 2018) – AIR 804
Ajay Kumar Bagri (B.Tech.,Electrical Engineering, 2020) – AIR 842
Ravinder Kumar (B.Tech.,Chemical Engineering, 2011) – AIR 860

Alumni Chapter Get Together

Delhi Chapter Get–Together:

The Delhi Chapter of IIT Roorkee, organised a grand Alumni meet at Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre on April 20, 2025, which was coordinated by Shri Rajeev Singh, Honorary Secretary and Shri Abhay Gupta, Executive Committee Member of IIT Roorkee Alumni Association (IITRAA). The event was attended by, representing batches from 1955 to 2022, around 300 participants. As a token of respect, flower bouquets were presented to the senior-most Alumnus, Shri Prem Kumar Khuller (1955-Electrical) and Shri Pramod Kumar Arora (1960-Civil). Mr. Pankaj Agarwal (1989-Civil), Secretary, Ministry of Power & Mr. Rajiv Yadav (1978-Civil), Former Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, marked their esteemed presence in the event. The event was graced by Prof. R D Garg, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs, IIT Roorkee. The event was filled with excitement, heartfelt emotions, and a sense of nostalgia as alumni came together to relive their university memories and reconnect with peers from different generations. The meet served as a wonderful platform for rekindling old friendships, expanding professional networks, and forging new connections, making it a memorable and enriching experience for everyone present. Read More

Alumni Visit

We extend our deepest thanks to our Alumni for visiting the DORA Office. It is a great pleasure to warmly welcome you back to your Alma Mater!

Dr. RishiPal Dhiman (M.Sc. 1979, Ph.D. Chemistry 1984): Dr. RishiPal Dhiman visited IIT Roorkee on April 8, 2025. Dr. Dhiman, who retired from ONGC Ahmedabad, is also famous across the country for his contributions to Hindi literature and poetry. During his visit, Dr. Dhiman met with Prof. R D Garg, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs (DoRA), and presented a collection of his poetry books. The collection includes "Ujale Ki Aur", "Hawa Ke Kandhe Par", "Rasta Dil Ka", and a compilation of Hindi Ghazals, reflecting his deep engagement with literature and the arts, highlighting the diverse achievements of IITR alumni beyond the realms of science and engineering.
Shri S K Das (B.E.- ECE- 1980) visited the DoRA office on April 24, 2025.