Alumni couple Jitendra Mohan and Swapna Samant of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have made a generous donation of $11 million to their alma mater.
Mohan (Electrical Engineering, 1994, Hostel 9) and Samant (Civil Engineering, 1995, Hostel 10), alumni from the 1990s, significantly contributed to initiatives enhancing the institute's educational and innovative excellence.
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IIT Bombay, in a statement released on Friday, mentioned that the donation would be instrumental in furthering the institute's leadership in semiconductor technology, an area where Mohan has attained remarkable success.
The institute stated that it will also lead several other crucial initiatives that support IIT Bombay's vision for growth.
According to information provided by the institute, a major focus of the couple’s donation is the Vidya Sharma Chair Professorship in Electrical Engineering, which is designed to support women faculty members in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The statement added, "This initiative demonstrates the donors’ strong commitment to gender inclusivity in academia and their desire to create an environment where women scientists and researchers can flourish."
A part of the donation will also be allocated for the redevelopment of Hostel 9, where Mohan resided during his time at IIT.
By revitalising the Institute's infrastructure, the goal is to provide future generations with the same sense of belonging and camaraderie while modernising facilities to meet contemporary needs and preserve its legacy as a cherished 'home away from home,'" the statement added.
Looking back on their journey and the motivation behind their gesture, Mohan and Samant shared that IIT Bombay "played a pivotal role during some of the most significant years of our lives" and gave them a solid foundation for enduring professional success.
At IITB, we formed incredible lifelong friendships, many of which remain an essential part of our lives today. We are deeply grateful for everything IITB gave us and are honored to give back by contributing to academic opportunities and student well-being,” the couple said.
Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, praised the "unmatched generosity" of Jitendra Mohan and Swapna Samant. He noted that their contribution demonstrates the significant impact of alumni involvement on the institute’s path to excellence. "Their donation reinforces IIT Bombay’s position as a center of innovation and inclusivity, highlighting the transformative power of giving back. We are deeply grateful for their confidence in IIT Bombay’s vision and their inspiring dedication to advancing societal progress and nation-building," Kedare said.
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