IIT Kanpur Alumnus Donates To Establish Endowed Programs

IIT Kanpur Alumni Dr. Rajeev Gautam Donates USD 250,000 to Establish Endowed Programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur. The donation establishes three endowed programs aimed at fostering innovation, excellence, and academic growth within the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kanpur.

The three endowed programs include Om Prakash Gautam Endowed Faculty Chair, the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Faculty Fellowship, and the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Travel Grant. To this end a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Dr. Rajeev Gautam, IIT Kanpur, and the IITK Foundation. The sum would be utilized towards the institution of an Endowed Faculty Chair, a Faculty Fellowship and a Travel Grant program for students. 

The contribution comes as a major boost to enrich academics and research activities in Chemical Engineering at IITK. The endowments will provide faculty and students alike with opportunities to further excel in their respective fields. 

Sharing gratitude for this gesture, Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “We are grateful to Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous support to his alma mater. The institution of the Endowed Faculty Chair, Young Faculty Fellowship and Travel Grant will enrich faculty and student endeavors by facilitating more robust research efforts, recognizing young faculty talent, and providing global exposure opportunities to students. I am sure these programs will further strengthen the academic and research activities at the Chemical Engineering Department by empowering emerging researchers.”

Dr. Rajeev Gautam who graduated in Chemical Engineering from IITK in 1974 stated his contribution to his alma mater in every possible manner he could. He also hoped for empowering the next generation of changemakers in the field of Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Jayant K. Singh, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, thanked Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous contribution to chemical engineering at IIT Kanpur. “This support will enrich our department’s research ecosystem and learning environment. It reaffirms our culture of excellence and will benefit both faculty and students. We look forward to the progress in chemical engineering knowledge and innovation through these transformative initiatives”, said he.

As per the official release MoU represents a significant milestone in IIT Kanpur’s journey towards academic excellence and the institution’s commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation, scholarship, and global engagement in the field of chemical engineering.

Recently, the Class of 1974 made a passionate pledge to assist various programs at their alma school, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), of Rs. 10.11 crore. The promise is made as part of the batch’s Golden Jubilee Reunion, which on February 23–25, 2024, brought together over 80 graduates and their families.