MANDI (Munish Sood)
In a major boost to its academic and research initiatives, the Indian Institute of Technology-Mandi (IIT-Mandi) has received an unprecedented donation of USD 85,000 from Mohinder L. Nayyar, a prominent US-based philanthropist and an esteemed alumnus of IIT-Roorkee.
This contribution, the largest ever made by a US-based donor to the IIT-Mandi/DORA office, marks a significant milestone in the institute’s growth and progress.
The generous donation will be used to create the IIT-Mandi Endowment Fund, designed to foster excellence in research, support economically disadvantaged students, and enhance the overall quality of academic life at IIT-Mandi.
Tripartite MoU signed for utilisation of fund
With this fund, the institute aims to create sustainable opportunities for its community, strengthen its research capabilities and promote innovation in higher education.
To ensure the strategic and effective utilisation of the donated amount, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Nayyar, IIT-Mandi and the IIT-Roorkee Foundation. The MoU outlines the shared objective of nurturing talent, advancing academic growth, and driving forward the long-term vision of IIT Mandi as a leading center of learning and innovation.
Prof Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT-Mandi, expressed his deep appreciation for Nayyar’s philanthropic gesture, emphasising how such contributions significantly contribute to strengthening the institute’s academic and research ecosystem.
He stated, “This donation is a key enabler in our continuous efforts to push the boundaries of research and innovation at IIT-Mandi. It will help us create a lasting impact on the future of higher education in India and beyond.”
Fund to be used for breakthrough research
Prof Varun Dutt, Dean of Resource Generation & Alumni Relations at IIT-Mandi, highlighted the vital role of alumni and philanthropists like Nayyar in supporting the institute’s mission to provide world-class education and conduct cutting-edge research.
“Nayyar’s generous support will help us not only maintain high standards of academic excellence but also make a tangible difference in the lives of students who need it most,” he remarked.
The institute plans to use the endowment fund to create an enabling environment for breakthrough research, student scholarships and faculty development.
With focus on academic excellence, the fund will directly impact the overall learning and research landscape at IIT Mandi, positioning it as an institution of global repute.
