IIT Kanpur Class of 2000 pledges Rs 100 crore to alma mater

BENGALURU: The Class of 2000 of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has pledged Rs 100 crore to the institute during its Silver Jubilee reunion, which the institute said is the highest-ever alumni batch contribution announced in India.

The pledge was made during the batch’s on-campus reunion on December 29 and is proposed to be used towards supporting academic, research and societal initiatives, including the establishment of a Millennium School of Technology and Society at IIT Kanpur.

IIT Kanpur director Manindra Agrawal said the contribution reflected the enduring bond between the institute and its alumni and would strengthen its academic and research ecosystem. Amey Karkare, dean of resources and alumni at IIT Kanpur, said the pledge demonstrated how alumni engagement could translate into long-term institutional impact.

Speaking on behalf of the batch, Naveen Tewari, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 2000, said, “IIT Kanpur gave us far more than a degree. It gave us the courage to think big, question assumptions, and build with purpose. This pledge is our collective way of giving back and ensuring that future generations receive the same, if not greater, opportunities to learn and lead.”

Batch coordinator Tamal Das said the reunion was an opportunity for alumni to reaffirm their connection with the institute and work closely with IIT Kanpur to shape its future. Founded in 1959, IIT Kanpur is recognised as an Institute of National Importance and offers programmes across engineering, science, design, humanities and management.