Ropar, February 25
Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on Tuesday, unveiling a host of new academic, technological and entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem. The event, held at the institute auditorium under the overarching theme ‘Accelerating R&D, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Country,’ was graced by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, as the Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring keynote address. In his speech, Governor said, “Institutions like IIT Ropar are the engines of a self reliant India. The quality of research, the spirit of entrepreneurship, and the dedication of the faculty and students here are a testament to what Indian higher education can achieve.”
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, who said, “From a young institution founded on the banks of the Sutlej in 2008, IIT Ropar has grown into a research intensive university of national consequence. Today, our faculty and students are publishing high impact research, filing patents and building startups that solve real problems for real people. Our ambition is to be among India’s most consequential institutions in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and to ensure that the fruits of our work reach society, industry and the nation at large.”
The event also featured an address by Prof. M.K. Surappa, founding Director (Former), IIT Ropar and former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, who reflected on the institute’s remarkable journey since its founding and expressed confidence in its trajectory towards research leadership. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh, Dean of Corporate Alumni Placement and Strategy (CAPS) and Project Director, ANNAM AI.





