Snippets - December 2025

Dear Esteemed Alumni,

Greetings from IIT Roorkee!

As we share the highlights from December 2025, we extend our warm wishes to you and your family for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year 2026.

The year 2025 has witnessed one of meaningful progress and strong partnerships. With generous support from alumni and well-wishers, the Institute received over ₹31 crore in philanthropic contributions, enabling advancements in academic excellence, research, student welfare, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure development.

Key milestones included the establishment of Centres of Excellence, enhancement of hi-tech medical and emergency services, and expansion of technology-enabled student support systems- reflecting the deep trust and commitment of our alumni community.

On behalf of IIT Roorkee, we sincerely thank every alumnus and donor for their continued engagement and support. We look forward to the new year with renewed optimism and deeper collaboration.

With warm regards and best wishes,

Prof. R.D. Garg

Dean of Resources & Alumni Affairs (DORA)

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

Events at IIT Roorkee
Jubilee Reunion

IITR News

Top 5G Use Case Lab Institutions:

IITR has been recognised among the Top Performing 5G Use Case Lab Institutions in the Gradation Framework assessment. The recognition was conferred by the Hon’ble Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, Shri Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, during the B6GA Apex Meeting. The achievement highlights the dedicated efforts of the IITR 5G Use Case Lab team, led by Prof. Ekant Sharma, along with faculty, researchers, and technical experts, in advancing innovation and effective utilisation of 5G infrastructure.

IITR Launches Carbon Credit Programme for Farmers:

IITR, authorised by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has launched a pioneering initiative enabling farmers to earn direct income through scientifically verified carbon credits. Using globally aligned Digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification systems, the programme measures soil carbon enhancement and emission reductions achieved through sustainable farming practices. Revenue from verified carbon credits will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts under the vision of “सीधी कमाई, स्थानीय फायदा”. Beginning in the Saharanpur Division, the initiative connects farmers with global carbon markets, supporting improved soil health, enhanced rural incomes , and India’s climate action goals.

IITR inaugurates Dr. Ajit Singhvi Management Literacy Lecture Series:

IITR inaugurated the Dr. Ajit Singhvi Management Literacy Lecture Series on December 10, 2025, with Director Prof. K. K. Pant formally launching the initiative under the Ajit Singhvi Institute Chair Professorship. Prof. Pant highlighted the importance of management literacy in India’s rapidly growing economy and reaffirmed IIT Roorkee’s commitment to capacity building. Prof. R. D. Garg, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs, was also present on the occasion. London-based philanthropist Dr. Ajit Singhvi addressed the gathering virtually, emphasizing trained management talent for a Viksit Bharat. The inaugural lecture was delivered by Prof. Apurbba Kumar Sharma, who currently holds the Ajit Singhvi Institute Chair Professorship and Head of the Department of Design, attracting an enthusiastic audience.

Catalysing IIT Roorkee Concludes ICABSB-2025:

IIT Roorkee successfully concluded the International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, and Structural Biology (ICABSB-2025), jointly organised with the Biotech Research Society of India. The four-day conference brought together over 700 delegates and nearly 200 invited speakers from more than 40 countries, highlighting the Institute’s strong global scientific engagement. Eminent researchers and leaders deliberated on advances in bioprocessing, structural biology, biofuels, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare innovations. The conference reinforced IIT Roorkee’s leadership in bio-innovation and international collaboration while aligning with India’s bio-economy mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

INAE Young Engineer Award 2025:

IIT Roorkee has announced that Prof. Ankit Agarwal from the Department of Hydrology has been conferred the INAE Young Engineer Award 2025 and inducted as an INAE Young Associate for his outstanding contributions in hydro-climatology and natural hazards. His work is noted for methodological innovations, enhanced understanding of hydro-climatic extremes, and impactful research addressing the societal and socioeconomic impacts of climate-related hazards. This prestigious recognition reflects his academic excellence, research quality, and strong potential for continued leadership in engineering and hydrology. IIT Roorkee congratulates Prof. Agarwal on this significant achievement.

AARTI Foundation Honoured at CII Awards for Women in STEM 2025:

IIT Roorkee’s Industry Accelerator, AARTI Foundation, has received the CII Awards on Excellence for Women in STEM 2025 under the Special Recognition (Young Organization Award) category at the Global Summit on Technology, R&D, and IP in New Delhi. The award acknowledges the Institute’s focused initiatives to promote women’s participation, leadership, and innovation in STEM. Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, stated that empowering women in STEM is integral to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, enabling local-to-global impact through technology and fostering an inclusive and equitable innovation ecosystem.

IIT Roorkee Recognised at CII Industrial IP Awards 2025:

IIT Roorkee has been honoured by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the CII Industrial IP Awards 2025 for its outstanding performance in intellectual property creation, strategic IP management, and successful technology commercialization. The recognition highlights the Institute’s robust innovation and IP ecosystem, strong industry collaborations, and its ability to translate cutting-edge research into scalable, industry-ready solutions. This achievement reinforces IIT Roorkee’s position as a national leader in intellectual property excellence, contributing significantly to technology-driven growth and strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.

Events at IIT Roorkee

IITR Host Sustainable Rural Development for Viksit Bharat 2047 Workshop:

IITR organised a workshop on “Sustainable Rural Development for Viksit Bharat 2047” under its newly launched Centre for Sustainable Rural Development. The event brought together Padma Shri awardees, experts, and policymakers to discuss agriculture-led growth, water security, and inclusive rural transformation. Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IITR, emphasised empowering rural populations through science and sustainable resource management. Speakers, including Padma Shri Setpal Singh, Padma Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan, Padma Shri Umashankar Pandey, and Padma Shri Dr. Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, emphasized innovation in agriculture and water conservation. The Centre’s digital inauguration marked a major step toward strengthening India’s rural ecosystem aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 and the SDGs.

IITR Hosts HOPE 2025:

IIT Roorkee hosts HOPE 2025 – Global Conference on the Science of Happiness and Human Flourishing, organised by the Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness and the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness, USA. The three-day conference brought together experts from IITs, IIMs, BITS Pilani and other premier institutions to discuss mental well-being, digital safety, leadership, resilience and Indian Knowledge Systems. With dignitaries including Dr. Deepam Seth and Prof. Rajat Agrawal, the event featured panels, research tracks, a Happiness Hackathon and experiential sessions. Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IITR, highlighted HOPE 2025’s role in supporting Viksit Bharat, NEP 2020 and global SDGs.

IIT Roorkee Host GambitoR 4.0 Final Round:

IITR host the final round of GambitoR 4.0, a national-level examination conducted by the Outreach Cell, welcoming 84 selected students from class 9 to 12 from across India. Over three days, participants undertook advanced technical examinations, problem-solving challenges, and interactive activities, along with a guided campus tour. The event was inaugurated by Prof. P.K. Jha, Associate DoSW, and concluded with an inspiring address by chief guest Mr. Mohit Tyagi. GambitoR 4.0 provided students a valuable exposure to technology, innovation, and campus life at IITR.

8th International Ramayan Conference Held at IIT Roorkee:

IIT Roorkee hosted the 8th International Ramayan Conference, focusing on the contemporary relevance of the RamCharit Manas and Indian knowledge traditions in education, ethical leadership, sustainability, and nation-building. Addressing the inaugural session, Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, подчеркed that education should serve humanity beyond livelihoods, aligning institutional values with the teachings of the RamCharit Manas. The conference featured Ashirvachan by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Hari Chetnanand Ji, the Prof. Mahavir Memorial Lecture by Prof. Dinesh Shastri, and the posthumous Ramayana Ratna award to Prof. Mahavir Agrawal. The three-day event brought together scholars from India and abroad, reinforcing ancient wisdom for contemporary societal challenges.

DAE–SSPS 2025 Inaugurated at IIT Roorkee:

The 69th Department of Atomic Energy–Solid State Physics Symposium (DAE–SSPS 2025) was inaugurated at IIT Roorkee, bringing together eminent scientists from India and abroad to deliberate on frontier research in solid-state physics, advanced and energy materials, and quantum technologies. Organised by BARC, Mumbai, with support from BRNS–DAE, the symposium underscores the role of condensed matter physics in national missions. Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted its seven-decade legacy, while the keynote address was delivered by Dr. S. L. Chaplot. The five-day symposium features plenary talks, papers, and poster sessions with strong young researcher participation.

Alumni in News

Sri Raj Kumar Goyal (B.E. E&C Engineering- 1985):

Shri Raj Kumar Goyal, former Law Secretary of India, has been appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India, marking a significant moment, as the Central Information Commission attains full strength after seven years. A 1990-batch IAS officer of the Jammu & Kashmir cadre, Shri Goyal, retired in August 2025 after a distinguished career in public service. He has served in key roles, including Secretary, Border Management, and Special Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. A graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering, his appointment reflects decades of administrative experience and commitment to governance and transparency.

Collaboration with Foreign Universities

IIT Roorkee Expands Ties with Deakin University, Australia:

IIT Roorkee has partnered with Deakin University, Australia, to establish a Centre of Excellence on Resilience Leadership at IITR’s Greater Noida Campus. The Centre will focus on professional training, certificate programmes, and research in disaster management, humanitarian response, and climate resilience, aimed at strengthening global capacities. The Letter of Intent was signed on December 8, 2025, in New Delhi, in the presence of the Education Ministers of India and Australia. The Centre is planned to be launched in early 2026, marking a significant step towards building resilient leadership for the future.

Alumni Get-Together

Batch of 1967 Get-together:

A group of sixteen alumni from the IIT Roorkee 1967 batch, along with their families, met at Ayodhya from 27 to 30 November 2025 for a memorable get-together. The event was organised by Er. Arun Kapur (B.E. Chemical) with Er. Kul Bhushan Jain and Er. Som Dutt Gupta (B.E. Civil) as co-organisers. Alumni from across India and the USA participated with great enthusiasm and stayed at Raghukul Sadan. A formal meeting on 28 November included lamp lighting, Kulgeet, felicitation with IIT-R lapel pins, gifts, cake cutting, celebrations, a brief cultural programme and dinner. The group also visited key spiritual sites, including Surya Kund, Saryu Aarti and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The reunion concluded with cherished memories and hope to meet again in 2026.

Jubilee Reunion

Golden Jubilee Reunion 1975 Batch:

IIT Roorkee hosted the Golden Jubilee Reunion of the 1975 Batch, celebrating fifty years of shared memories and lifelong association with the Institute. Over 275 alumni, along with their families, returned to campus to reconnect with their Alma Mater. Marking the occasion, the batch extended generous support of approximately ₹45 lakh towards institutional development. The contribution includes the donation of two E-Carts to enhance eco-friendly campus mobility, while a Hi-Tech ultrasound machine for the campus hospital is also underway, reflecting the alumni’s enduring commitment to IIT Roorkee’s growth and welfare.