IIT Roorkee Snippets

Dear Esteemed Alumni,

Greetings from IIT Roorkee!

We hope this message finds you in good health. We are delighted to share with you the highlights of March 2026 from your Alma Mater, which continues to make remarkable progress across research, innovation, and academic excellence.

This month, the Institute felicitated 16 meritorious students under the HORIBA Talent Hunt Scholarship and HORIBA India PG Awards 2025-26, along with the exchange of an MoU for sponsored research projects, further strengthening industry-academia collaboration. The Institute also inaugurated the Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility, enhancing capabilities in translational biomedical research.

IIT Roorkee continued to foster academic excellence and engagement through major events such as Cognizance 2026, the Half Marathon 2026, and the inaugural session of RESSUMMIT 2026. The Institute also hosted an interaction on Human Rights and Gender Equality initiatives and celebrated the achievement of its team qualifying for the ICPC World Finals 2026.

We also take immense pride in our alumni who have excelled in the Civil Services Examination 2025, reflecting the institute’s enduring legacy of excellence.

May these updates further strengthen your enduring bond with IIT Roorkee and its growing legacy.

Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility Inaugurated at IITR:

IITR inaugurated Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility at the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, strengthening infrastructure for translational biomedical research. The facility was inaugurated by distinguished alumnus Sri Ashok Soota in the presence of Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IITR; Mr. Davis Karedan, Vice Chairman & Trustee, Happiest Health and SKAN; Prof. Pravindra Kumar, Ashok Soota Institute Chair Professor; Prof. Sanjoy Ghosh, Head, BSBE; Prof. R.D. Garg, DoRA; Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean, SRIC; and Prof. Naveen Kumar Navani, Dean (Academic Affairs), along with BSBE faculty members.
The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced analytical and imaging platforms, will support research in drug discovery, biomolecular sciences, molecular diagnostics, and precision medicine, with applications in cancer, neurological, metabolic, and infectious diseases. The initiative reflects IITR’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and strengthening academia-industry collaboration in life sciences.

IITR Team Qualifies for ICPC World Finals 2026:

Team “hehe i do cp” from IITR has qualified for the International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals 2026, to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 15-20 November 2026, hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and the ICPC Foundation. The team includes Mr. Shorya Singhal (B.Tech, DS & AI), Mr. Atish Sahoo (B.Tech, CSE), and Mr. Druhin Lamba (BS-MS, Mathematics & Computing), mentored by Prof. Balasubramanian Raman, Head (CSE), IITR. The team secured 2nd place at Chennai Regional Contest, 2nd place at ICPC Asia West Amritapuri Multisite Regional Contest, and 9th place at ICPC Asia West Regionals. From over 2,500 teams across India, their performance earned them a place among the ~140 teams worldwide competing in World Finals. IITR has qualified for the ICPC World Finals 12 times in the last 13 years.

NHRC Special Monitor Visits IITR:

IITR hosted Prof. Kanhaiya Tripathi, Special Monitor, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for an institutional interaction on Human Rights and Gender Equality initiatives. Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IITR, welcomed Prof. Tripathi and highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional engagement on issues related to human rights and gender equality. Prof. Pant reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and emphasized integrating human rights perspectives within academic and institutional frameworks. The discussions focused on structured academic engagement through Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, research and policy collaboration, and potential internship opportunities for students with NHRC in areas such as technology and intellectual property. Prof. Tripathi appreciated IITR’s initiatives to strengthen women’s participation in STEM and promote human sciences and human rights education. Senior leadership, faculty and students participated in the interaction.

IITR Inaugurates PNG Facility Phase I

IITR inaugurated Phase I of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facility at its campus, marking a key step towards sustainable energy and modern infrastructure. The facility, including a De-Compression Unit, was inaugurated by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IITR and Shri Rahul Tandon, Business Head (BPCL - Gas), in the presence of Prof. U. P. Singh, Deputy Director, IITR; Prof. Inderdeep Singh, Dean (Infrastructure), IITR; Shri Vivek Vohra, CEO, HNGPL; and Shri Naveen Kumar, CFO, HNGPL. Implemented by Haridwar Natural Gas Private Limited, the project includes over 15,000 meters of pipeline, extending PNG access to 14 hostels and around 1,500 residences, supporting cleaner and efficient energy use across the campus.

IITR Hosted Half Marathon 2026:

IITR successfully hosted Half Marathon 2026, organised by Institute Sports Council, with over 1300 participants, including around 1000 men and 300 women. The race route stretched from LBS Stadium to Kaliyar and back, offering participants a challenging yet scenic course. The event was ceremonially flagged off by Joint Magistrate Roorkee, Sri Deepak Ramchandra Shet (IAS), Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, Dean (Student Welfare). The prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director IITR, who congratulated the winners and commended all participants for their dedication and sportsmanship.

Inaugural Session of RESSUMMIT 2026 - Climate Knowledge Forum:

The inaugural session of RESSUMMIT 2026 set a forward-looking tone, bringing together leaders from policy, academia, and innovation. The session featured Sri Anil Kumar Gupta; Mr. Andre Lindner (MD, ABCD School, TU Dresden); Ms. Ruchika Drall (Deputy Secretary, MoEFCC); and Padma Shri awardee Sri Anil Gupta (GIAN & Honey Bee Network), who emphasized grassroots innovation. Dr. Nisha Mendiratta (DST), Prof. M.L. Kansal (HAG Professor, IITR), and Prof. U.P. Singh (Deputy Director, IITR) highlighted science-led resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and water management. The session was further enriched by the virtual presence of Sri Manish Bhardwaj (Secretary, NDMA) and Sri Sanjaya Bhatia (Head, UNDRR-GETI), reinforcing global collaboration for resilience and sustainability.

IITR Hosted NEP Dialogue on Higher Education:

IITR hosted a dialogue on higher education aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 on March 19, 2026, under its Academic Outreach and Community Connect initiatives. The event was graced by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director IITR; Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor of Doon University; and Prof. Pravinder Kaushal, Vice Chancellor of Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry. Representatives from the Higher Education Department and Uttarakhand Sanskrit University also actively participated. The programme was coordinated under the guidance of Prof. Naveen Kumar Navani, Dean of Academics Affairs, the dialogue enabled exchange of institutional experiences and explored collaboration in multidisciplinary education, research, and regional academic development, aiming to build a future-ready higher education ecosystem in Uttarakhand.

IITR Hosted MSME Design Innovation Session:

IITR organised an awareness session on MSME Innovative (Design) Scheme, Industry-Academia Interface in Dehradun, promoting collaboration between industry and design experts. The session highlighted the role of design-led innovation in enhancing product development and enabling cost-effective solutions for MSMEs. Coordinated by Prof. Inderdeep Singh, Dean (Infrastructure), IITR; the programme was attended by Dr. S.K. Newar, Director & Head of Office, MSME-DFO Haldwani & Dehradun; Sri S.C. Kandpal, Deputy Director; Development and Facilitation Office (DFO-MSME), Haldwani; and Sri Amit Mohan, Assistant Director, Development and Facilitation Office (DFO-MSME), Haldwan; along with representatives from government and industry. The session served as a valuable platform for fostering innovation and sustainable growth among MSMEs.

Alumni Career Talk by Mr. Divyanshu Singh (B.Tech. CSE, 2010) and Mr. Sandeep Giri (B.E. Chemical, 2001):

Institute Alumni Relations Cell (IARC) organised an engaging Alumni Career Talk on 11 March 2026. The session featured esteemed alumni Mr. Divyanshu Singh and Mr. Sandeep Giri, Founder of Intranet Maintenance Group. The speakers shared insights from their professional journeys and discussed career opportunities in CS, AI, Machine Learning, and entrepreneurship. They emphasised the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and taking initiative while navigating diverse career paths. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation, with students actively engaging in discussions on startups, industry expectations, and skill development. The talk provided valuable real-world perspectives, making it an insightful and enriching experience for all attendees.

Alumni Career Talk by Mr. Aryan Yadav (B.Tech. CSE, 2023):

The Alumni Career Talk hosted by the Institute Alumni Relations Cell (IARC) witnessed an overwhelming response, with the MAC Auditorium filled to capacity and around 300 students in attendance. The session featured Aryan Yadav (AIR 31, UPSC CSE 2025), who delivered an engaging and insightful talk on civil services as a career and effective preparation strategies. He was joined by Himanshu Kishore, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and faculty at Vision IAS, who brought valuable perspectives from his extensive experience in mentoring civil services aspirants and his interest in public policy.. Aryan was also accompanied by his father on the occasion. The event was graced by Prof. R.D. Garg, DoRA, IITR.
The talk was highly interactive, with students actively engaging in discussions and a lively Q&A session. The event provided a meaningful platform for direct alumni-student interaction, leaving participants motivated, informed, and inspired about pursuing careers in civil services.

Prof. Shreyas Kumar (B.Arch., 1999):

Prof. Shreyas Kumar, faculty member in the Texas A&M University Department of Computer Science Engineering, has been presented with the Undergraduate Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2025-26 in recognition of his dedicated service, exemplary attitude, and significant contribution to undergraduate teaching. The award was presented by Prof. Scott Shaefer, HoD (Computer Science & Engineering). The selection process included student nominations followed by evaluation by a departmental committee. Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University is one of the largest in the United States, with over 5,000 undergraduate students, more than 500 postgraduate students, and a faculty strength of around 84 professors.

Prof. Gaurav Pandey (B.Tech. Electrical, 2006):

Prof. Gaurav Pandey, Associate Professor in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology (MXET) program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has been awarded the Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik Fellowship, a prestigious honor aimed at connecting India’s global scientific talent to promote research, innovation, and discovery. Prof. Pandey was selected as one of 21 fellows from 227 proposals submitted worldwide, highlighting the global impact of his work. The fellowship cohort includes distinguished faculty from leading institutions such as California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Cambridge. Prof. Pandey leads the Computer Vision and Robotics Lab, where his research focuses on perception for autonomous vehicles and systems, reinforcement learning for multi-agent motion prediction, sensor data fusion, and mapping and localization.

Mr. Aryan Yadav (B.Tech. CSE, 2023):

IITR takes pride in Mr. Aryan Yadav for securing All India Rank 31 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. After graduating from IITR in 2023 with a degree in Computer Science Engineering, he pursued preparation for the Civil Services with the aspiration of contributing meaningfully to public service and governance. The Institute applauds his outstanding achievement and wishes him great success in his journey of serving the nation.

Ms. Rakhi (B.Tech. Biotechnology, 2014):

Ms. Rakhi, a Biotechnology graduate from the Class of 2014 at IITR, has secured All India Rank 65 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district of Haryana, she completed her schooling in her hometown before pursuing her B.Tech. at IITR. She began her professional career as a Probationary Officer with the State Bank of India in 2015 and served there until 2020. Thereafter, she devoted herself to preparing for the Civil Services while also completing a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 2025. Her achievement reflects determination and commitment to public service.

Ms. Priyanka Choudhary (Int. M.Tech. Earth Sciences, 2019):

Ms. Priyanka Choudhary has secured an outstanding All India Rank 79 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Bikaner, Rajasthan, she completed her schooling there before pursuing a five-year Integrated M.Tech. in Geophysical Technology, Earth Sciences from IITR. Following her graduation, she worked with Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Limited, for a year before transitioning to Civil Services preparation. Her achievement reflects dedication, perseverance, and a clear commitment to public service. She credits IITR for providing a nurturing environment that fostered her growth, with peer learning and campus experiences playing a key role in shaping her personality. She continues to hold a deep sense of gratitude towards her Alma Mater.

Mr. Abhishek Singh (B.Tech. Chemical, 2020):

Mr. Abhishek Singh, a 2020 graduate in Chemical Engineering from IIT Roorkee, has secured an impressive All India Rank 144 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. He completed his schooling at Defence Public School, Jaipur, before joining IIT Roorkee, where he developed a strong academic foundation and a disciplined approach towards problem-solving. Following his graduation, he dedicated himself to Civil Services preparation with a clear vision of contributing to society through public administration. His success reflects perseverance, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose. He credits IIT Roorkee for providing a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that enabled him to face life’s challenges with confidence and explore his true potential.
He remains sincerely grateful to the Institute for shaping his journey and inspiring young minds to strive for excellence and meaningful impact in society.

Mr. Aditya Hriday Upadhyay (B.Tech. Civil, 2021):

Mr. Aditya Hriday Upadhyay, an alumnus of the 2021 batch in Civil Engineering, has secured All India Rank 154 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he is currently serving in the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) as Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (Under Training). Prior to this, he was part of the Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic). Achieving this distinction in his fourth attempt, Mr. Upadhyay demonstrated perseverance and dedication in his pursuit of a career in public service. He credits his time at IITR for playing a significant role in shaping his academic foundation, discipline, and outlook. The institute takes pride in his accomplishment and wishes him continued success in his journey of serving the nation.

Mr. Abhishek Kumar Jha (B.Tech. Industrial, 2023):

Mr. Abhishek Kumar Jha, a 2023 graduate of Production and Industrial Engineering from IITR, has secured All India Rank 231 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Darbhanga, Bihar, he was actively involved in campus life during his time at the Institute, serving as the UG Representative for the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department. He also contributed to the National Cadet Corps as General Secretary and was an Executive Member of Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan. Inspired by a strong interest in public service during his campus years, he chose to pursue the Civil Services. After working for six months at Bajaj Auto as a Graduate Trainee Engineer, he left his job to prepare for the examination and achieved this success in his very first attempt.

Mr. Tarun Pratap Maurya (B.Tech. Chemical, 2016):

Mr. Tarun Pratap Maurya has secured All India Rank 437 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 and is set to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Earlier, he secured AIR 841 in CSE 2023 and is currently undergoing training in the Indian Police Service (IPS). This marks his second selection, achieved in his seventh attempt, reflecting exceptional perseverance and determination. Hailing from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, he completed his schooling at K.V. No. 1, Jammu. After graduating from IITR, he gained corporate experience for 1.5 years before dedicating himself to Civil Services preparation. His journey stands as a testament to resilience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Ms. Rishika Atal (B.Tech. Electrical, 2023):

Ms. Rishika Atal has secured All India Rank 836 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Jaipur, she achieved this success in her second attempt. Deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve society, she aspires to contribute positively to people’s lives through public service. During her time at IITR, she experienced some of the most formative years of her life, which played a significant role in shaping her personality and outlook. She fondly recalls the vibrant campus environment and the meaningful interactions with seniors and peers that enriched her journey, teaching her that life is not only about achievements but also about experiences, learning, and shared stories.

Mr. Sanjay Raj Meena (B.Tech. Civil, 2014):

Mr. Sanjay Raj Meena, a Civil Engineering graduate from the Class of 2014, has secured All India Rank 870 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. He is currently serving in the Indian Forest Service (IFS - AIS), having earlier secured Rank 76 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2024. His achievement reflects dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to public service. He credits IITR for providing a solid academic foundation, guidance, and values that have significantly shaped his journey. Mr. Meena has expressed his eagerness to stay connected with his Alma Mater and contribute meaningfully to the alumni network and the institution in the future.

Mr. Shubham Meena (B.Tech. Electrical, 2020):

Mr. Shubham Meena, an alumnus of the Electrical Department, Class of 2020, at IITR, has secured All India Rank 929 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Tonk, Rajasthan, his success reflects determination and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in public service. During his time at IITR, he developed a solid academic foundation along with analytical and problem-solving skills that supported his preparation for the examination. Mr. Meena’s accomplishment adds to the growing list of IITR alumni contributing to public administration and nation-building through the civil services.

MoU Signed Between IITR & BITS Pilani:

IITR and BITS Pilani have signed an MoU at IITR GNEC Campus, Noida, to strengthen collaboration in education, research, innovation, and advanced training across engineering and the sciences. The partnership aims to promote joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, collaborative student projects, and industry-driven innovation aligned with national priorities. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IITR, and Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani. The programme also included presentations on the R&D ecosystems of both institutions by Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), IITR and Prof. Shibu Clement, Associate Dean (GCIR), BITS Pilani, followed by an interaction session moderated by Prof. R.R. Sonde. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, sustainable technologies, and innovation-driven solutions for India’s technological growth.

Sri Gian Nath Kathpalia (B.E. Civil, 1949):

Authored by Sri Gian Nath Kathpalia, India’s Water Mantra: The Vision and Contribution of Gian Nath Kathpalia explores his lifelong contributions to sustainable water management and nation-building. The book highlights the journey of India’s “Water Man,” Sri Gian Nath Kathpalia, a pioneering technologist known for innovative solutions in water, forestry, agriculture, and urban land use. Sri Kathpalia contributed to key initiatives with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Planning Commission of India, National Commission on Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources, and the National Ganga River Basin Management Plan. He also served as a consultant to global organisations such as the United Nations, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, USAID, and the Ford Foundation, and later continued his work through voluntary organisations, Surya Foundation and Alternative Futures.

Prof. R.D. Garg, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs, IIT Roorkee, met with Sri Sanjay Swarup (B.E., Electronics & Communication, 1987), Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), for a detailed interaction aimed at strengthening institutional ties. The discussion focused on enhancing alumni engagement, fostering long-term collaborations, and exploring opportunities for academic, research, and infrastructure support to IIT Roorkee. Both sides also deliberated on avenues to deepen industry–academia partnerships and create impactful initiatives that contribute to the Institute’s continued growth and development.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed alumni for visiting IITR. It is always a pleasure to warmly welcome you back to your Alma Mater!

• Sri Santosh S. Korlekar (M.E. Civil, 1982), Dr. N.H. Khadge (M.Tech. Geology, 1983), Ar. Suhas A. Ghughre (M.Arch., 1983), Sri Milind Apte (M.Tech. Applied Geophysics, 1983), Sri C.V. Khandekar (M.E. Civil, 1983) visited DoRA office on March 12, 2026, fondly reminisced about their memorable years at IITR, and also discussed potential avenues for collaboration with the Institute.

• Prof. Ambalika Sharma (B.E. Electronics & Communication, 1983), along with her sister Dr. Anupma Sharma, Scientist G (Retd.), NIH Roorkee, visited the DoRA Office on March 13, 2026, and signed a revised MoU to support sports activities at the Institute.

• Prof. Purnima Parida (Ph.D. Civil, 2006) and Prof. Maniranjan Parida (Ph.D. Civil, 1995) paid a visit to DoRA office on March 23, 2026, to initiate the establishment of the “Shyama Mangal Chair Professorship”, marking a significant step towards strengthening academic excellence at the Institute.

• IPS Achin Garg (B.Tech. Mechanical, 2011) visited IITR with his family after 15 years and was deeply nostalgic on returning to his alma mater. It was truly wonderful to see him share his experiences and reflections about the Institute. He has also penned a heartfelt “Homecoming Essay” capturing his visit.

• Prof. Prem Krishna (B.E. Civil, 1959), former Head of the Civil Engineering Department, visited IITR, reflecting his continued association and longstanding connection with the Institute.