The Newz Radar
Mandi: Indian Institute of Technology Mandi commemorated its 15th Foundation Day on February 27.
Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary DD (R&D) and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), was the chief guest, along with G A Srinivasa Murthy, DS and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and Manoj Jain, Director R&D, Bharat Electronics Limited, attended as guests of honour. 
The event also saw the presence of Prof Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, along with faculty, students, and staff members. Lt. Gen. K J S Dhillon, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Mandi, presided over the event virtually.
Dr Kamat, while congratulating IIT Mandi on its 15th anniversary, said, “Amidst the serene Himalayan backdrop, taking Prime Minister’s vision to be a world leader by 2047 IIT Mandi is rapidly evolving into technological landscape. The collaboration between DRDO and academia is vital for research and development, paving the path for a leader in defense in this constantly evolving technological development.”
Dr. Kamat added, “Encouraging student involvement in R&D is key to fostering a culture of innovation. Leveraging engineering talent is imperative for our transition to a developed economy.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Behera said, “The journey of IIT Mandi has been marked by remarkable growth, innovation, and academic excellence, culminating in our Foundation Day celebrations. As we commemorate this occasion, we honor the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, and students, whose dedication has been instrumental in shaping our institution into what it is today. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our state-of-the-art infrastructure, which spans 18 acres and encompasses academic and administrative facilities, student and faculty housing, laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes. Furthermore, our Green Committee’s proactive efforts in environmental conservation have earned us accolades such as the prestigious ‘Green University’ award at COP 28.”
During his virtual address, Lt Gen (retd) Dhillon conveyed his heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing the significance of the achievements by adding, “Your dedication and achievements not only reflect your personal excellence but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to aspire towards greatness.”
While addressing the students, guest of honour, Manoj Jain said, “The primary aim of an educational institute is to provide education, but equally important is leveraging the rich knowledge of students and faculty to fuel versatile growth in the industry. IITs excel in creating world-class talent, and I urge all students to adapt themselves to contribute to the betterment of our country. I am pleased that IIT Mandi has brought together stakeholders from the government (DRDO), industry (BEL), and academia (IIT Mandi) – a perfect combination to drive success from basic ideas to innovation and ultimately develop final products for the advancement of our nation.”
Guest of honour Srinivasa Murthy said, “I am honoured to participate in the festivities commemorating IIT Mandi’s 15th Foundation Day. The cutting-edge facilities available at IIT Mandi, spanning from the Advanced Materials Research Centre to the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and from the Centre for Design & Fabrication of Electronic Devices to the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre, among others, vividly underscore the Institute’s dedication to innovation and excellence.
History of the Institute
On February 24, 2009, the foundation stone of IIT Mandi was laid at Kamand, signifying the establishment of its permanent campus. The first batch of students embarked on their academic journey in July 2009, with classes commencing on July 27, 2009 at a transit campus. This marked the beginning of IIT Mandi’s educational legacy. Then, in September 2012, the inaugural cohort of students transitioned to the Kamand campus, representing a significant milestone in the institute’s development and growth.
