Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar has celebrated its 17th Foundation Day

 Bhubaneswar:13/2/25: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has celebrated its 17^th Foundation Day on 12^th February 2025. The commemoration was to celebrate the foundation stone laying of the campus of the Institute at Argul on 12^th February 2009. Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

At the outset, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar delivered the welcome address. He briefly traced the birth of the institute and the history of the campus of IIT Bhubaneswar. He explained the journey of the institute towards the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 objective and highlighted its new initiatives in the areas of teaching-learning, research,industry-academia collaboration, entrepreneurship development, the creation of outstanding school teachers, and corporate social responsibility.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati lauded the institute’s significant progress since its establishment in 2008 and urged it to strive for global excellence. The Governor further noted that IIT Bhubaneswar’s multidisciplinary curriculum and focus on industry-academia collaboration have set it apart. He stressed the importance of fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, reflecting India’s growing leadership in the global start-up ecosystem. Urging students to lead with conviction, courage, and compassion, the  Hon’ble Governor encouraged them to pursue ambitious projects and contribute to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. He emphasized that the institute must continue creating knowledge and building a culture of lifelong learning to prepare students for leadership roles in an evolving world. The Governor concluded his speech with an inspiring message: “Let us create knowledge that will inform and transform the world and prepare students as technically grounded leaders who will change the world.” He motivated students and faculty to pursue ambitious goals, ensuring IIT Bhubaneswar evolves into a globally renowned institute of excellence.

During the occasion, Hon’ble Governor visited various some of the key Research & Development facilities of the Institute including IIT Bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park, Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Center (SiCRIC), Microfabrication and Characterization Lab, Renewable Energy Systems, Virtual and Augmented Reality Center of Excellence (VARCoE) and Systems on Chip laboratory.

Prof. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Dean (Student Affairs) proposed a vote of thanks. Prof. Mihir Pandit, dean (Faculty Affairs), and Shri Bamadev Acharya, Registrar of the Institute were also present on the occasion.

The first edition of its annual cultural and technopreneurship fest, “Pravaah,” with the theme “SolistraNovarion,” symbolizing innovation and transformation was launched on this occasion.

Before the Foundation Day Celebration, the service of two 8-seater electric vehicles was formally inaugurated, which were donated to the Institute by Canara Bank as part of their CSR initiative, in collaboration with the CSR Cell at IIT Bhubaneswar. The inauguration was done by Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar and Shri Jagdish Chander, Circle Head and General Manager of Canara Bank in presence of Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu, Professor-in-Charge, CSR Cell, faculty members, staff of IIT Bhubaneswar and the officials of Canara Bank.

In the evening, a grand cultural programme by the students and members of the institute was organized, which showcased the spirit of enthusiasm and vigor.