Celebrating Generosity 2025

IIT Madras opened its doors not just to its past but to its future — to gratitude, to generosity, and to the enduring power of community. The inaugural annual donor event, aptly titled “Celebrating Generosity,” brought together alumni donors who contributed to IIT Madras in FY 2024–25. 

It was. It was about gratitude, a chance for the Institute to say “thank you” and to remind alumni that their generosity is alive in every classroom, every laboratory, and every student’s dream.

The event opened with a welcome address by Mr. Kaviraj Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Office of Institutional Advancement, IIT Madras. Speaking as both a CEO and Alumnus, he reminded everyone of the deeper meaning behind giving:

“Your contributions are not just numbers on a balance sheet. They are classrooms filled with curiosity, laboratories buzzing with innovation, and young minds who now dare to pursue dreams they once thought impossible. As alumni, we know this Institute gave us more than degrees — it gave us who we are today. And through your generosity, you are extending that same gift to future generations.”

This was followed by the Dean’s Address delivered by Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras. He expressed gratitude to alumni while also connecting their contributions to IIT Madras’ growing stature globally:

“Rankings may not be everything, but they are a signal that something remarkable is happening here. And one of the biggest engines driving that progress is you — our alumni. Whether it is scholarships for deserving students, building world-class labs, or endowing professorships, your generosity has pushed us forward on every front.”

For alumni in the audience, it was a moment of collective pride — their giving was visibly shaping the Institute’s success.

The event then showcased specific stories of alumni impact through presentations by faculty members.

Prof. Preeti Aghalayam, Director-in-Charge, IITM Zanzibar, spoke about the Institute’s first offshore campus in Zanzibar, highlighting how alumni scholarships and mentorship have been crucial in building a vibrant and diverse student community.

“Everything we have built in Zanzibar — from classrooms to scholarships — carries the imprint of alumni support. When I see students from across Africa and India graduate with IIT Madras degrees, I see your generosity shaping global citizens.”

Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal, Head, School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IIT Madras, brought energy and humor to his address on the entrepreneurial ecosystem at IITM.

 “At IIT Madras, we’ve built what I call an ‘innovation superhighway.’ From a spark of an idea at 2 a.m., to prototypes, to startups — we handhold students at every stage. This journey is possible only because alumni like you have stepped in with early grants, mentorship, and trust. Even a small gift can be the difference between an idea fading away and becoming India’s next big startup.”

Prof. Anubama Rajan, Principal Investigator ORGAMED laboratory, emphasized the life-changing role of alumni support for research.

“Research is like planting a grove — it takes years to bear fruit. But today, we are already seeing results because you, our alumni, chose to nurture it. You are the reason we can address India-specific challenges like diabetes and COPD with world-class science.”

Prof. Kartic Vaidyanathan, Founder, LetsPlayToLearn, shared how alumni-driven initiatives in life skills and wellness are transforming student well-being.

“Students arrive here among the best in the country, but the pressures of competition and social media can be overwhelming. Thanks to alumni support, we’ve been able to introduce courses on self-awareness, happiness, and purpose. These interventions are changing lives — and to me, that is as valuable as any lab or classroom.”

Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, presented on the impact of alumni support for NPTEL and the Online BS programs, which have opened IIT Madras’ doors to thousands of learners from underprivileged backgrounds.

“Because of your support, students from Tier-II and Tier-III towns, children of farmers, laborers, fruit sellers, are today pursuing IIT Madras-certified programs. Some of them are the first in their families to enter higher education. You are not just funding degrees; you are rewriting life stories.”

The most moving moments came when alumni themselves spoke about why they give back.

Ms. Animela Venu Madhuri (2019/DD Civil Engineering) shared her journey from being a recipient of the MCM Scholarship to now funding the same:

“When I joined IIT, my father was shocked at the fee structure. With two younger siblings, he worried about how we would manage. The MCM scholarship allowed me to study here — without it, I may not have continued for all five years. Today, after supporting my family, it feels right to do the same for another student. Someone once stood behind me. Now it’s my turn.”

From another generation, Prof. Radhakrishnan S (1966/B.Tech Civil Engineering), a second-batch alumnus and former Professor and Head, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, spoke with affection for his alma mater:

“I spent 48 years of my life here, first as a student, and then as a professor. IIT Madras has always been home. I’ve supported hostel and campus development in small ways because I believe this Institute is one of the best places to live and learn. And I have no doubt it will stand among the world’s top universities very soon.”

Hearing voices from both the newest and earliest batches underscored the timeless bond alumni share with their “Insti.”

The evening closed with Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam honoring alumni donors. Over lunch and a campus walk, stories and memories flowed easily, blending the old with the new.

Celebrating Generosity 2025 was not just a thank-you program. It was a reaffirmation that IIT Madras and its alumni are partners in a shared vision — to nurture ideas, create impact, and inspire generations to come.

At its core, the day carried a simple but powerful truth: Generosity is not just about giving; it’s about gratitude, belonging, and shaping a future together.