“When we began the journey of building IIT Gandhinagar, we were clear that an institution cannot be defined only by buildings or rankings. It is shaped by the culture it nurtures, the questions it allows students to ask, and the values it chooses to uphold,” said Prof Sudhir Jain, former Director of IIT Gandhinagar. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Homecoming 2025 Alumni event held on December 20 at the IIT Gandhinagar campus.
“We consciously created an environment where learning was open, interdisciplinary, and rooted in curiosity rather than rigid boundaries. There were moments of hesitation and resistance, as is natural with any new academic model, but those moments were also signs of engagement and growth. Education must allow space for debate, experimentation, and even discomfort, because that is how meaningful learning takes place. It is deeply gratifying to return to campus and see alumni carrying this spirit forward in their work, their thinking, and their continued connection to the institute. That continuity of values is the true measure of an institution’s success,” he added.
“Education is not a fixed process; it evolves through reflection, dialogue, and the willingness to rethink established practices. The culture here did not emerge overnight; it developed through sustained effort, openness, and collective responsibility,” Prof Jain further said.
Highlighting the institute’s growth, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, said while addressing the alumni, “IIT Gandhinagar has grown tremendously since its first batch, evolving into a campus with strong academic programs and vibrant student life. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and learn not just in classrooms, but through living, collaborating, and adapting in hostels and across campus activities. We have introduced programs in AI, design, and maritime engineering, along with interdisciplinary initiatives, to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. The focus on clarity of thought, practical skills, and collaborative learning ensures that our graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully in their fields.”
“Events like the Alumni Homecoming allow us to celebrate these achievements and connect past and present students. Seeing alumni return to campus, share their experiences, and engage with current students reinforces the sense of community and pride that has always defined IIT Gandhinagar,” Prof Moona stated.
The event featured engaging sessions and activities that enabled interaction among alumni, faculty, and current students at IITGN.
Welcoming the alumni, Prof Leslee Lazar, Professor-in-Charge of Alumni Relations, said, “Alumni have a unique role in shaping the future of our students. Over the years, they have gained knowledge and experience that can enrich the learning of current students, helping them grow like branches on a tree that extend from the strong trunk of education. The world is changing rapidly—technologies like AI, new ways of working, sustainability, and global interactions are redefining how we live and learn. Alumni engagement allows us to bridge this gap, share insights, and add new ‘branches’ to the education we provide, creating a vibrant community of knowledge and mentorship.”
“Student engagement across hostels, clubs, and cultural, sports, and technical activities is at the heart of a vibrant campus. Workshops, inter-hostel events, and collaborative initiatives encourage students to take ownership, explore interests, and contribute actively to campus life. Events like the Alumni Homecoming provide a special opportunity to connect current students with alumni, celebrate this culture of participation, and reflect how the institute’s values continue to shape a thriving and inclusive community,” said Prof Manish Kumar, IIT Gandhinagar.
“At IIT Gandhinagar, our aim has never been to produce narrowly defined specialists alone. We want students to explore, experiment, and discover who they want to become by giving them exposure to different interests, ideas, and ways of thinking. Not everyone needs to become a professional player, but if you care about something, stay connected to it in your own way. What matters most is that students grow into confident, thoughtful individuals who find meaning in what they do—and that is the learning environment we strive to create here,” said Prof Jaison Manjaly, Faculty, Humanities and Social Sciences (jointly with the Cognitive and Brain Sciences department).
Sharing his reflections, Ramesh Kumar, alumnus IITGN (Batch 2015) said, “In classrooms we often ignore friction to simplify equations, but life works the opposite way. Friction—whether in careers, relationships, or finances—is what enables movement and growth. My time at IIT Gandhinagar taught me that even small efforts, when applied with purpose, can create a lasting impact beyond campus.”
“Coming back to IIT Gandhinagar feels like returning home. It brings back memories of friendships, shared struggles, and the wide range of emotions we experienced together—moments that shaped who we are today. The academic foundation and interdisciplinary approach here helped me contextualise my research and translate it into real-world applications. That learning continues to guide my journey even after graduation,” said Randad Akshay Purushottamji, Special Project Manager – CEO’s Office Wysa Healthcare, alumnus, IITGN (Batch 2015).
“IIT Gandhinagar taught us how to think, not just what to learn. From open-ended problem statements to startup culture and design thinking, the campus encouraged us to question, experiment, and grow beyond conventional boundaries. That approach continues to shape how I solve problems in my professional life today,” said Ankit Pandole, Head of Design Pratilipi, alumnus, IITGN (Batch 2015).
“This campus was not just a place of learning, but a space where many of us found confidence, freedom, and purpose. IIT Gandhinagar allowed us to grow naturally, through experiences, friendships, and self-discovery, and that impact continues long after we leave campus,” said Akash Keshav Singh, Cofounder & CEO Sprih, alumnus, IITGN (Batch 2015).
More than 60 alumni from various undergraduate and postgraduate batches attended Homecoming 2025 at IIT Gandhinagar, coming together to reconnect, nurture long-standing bonds, share insights from their professional journeys, and relive cherished campus memories. Discipline-wise interactions among faculty, alumni, and current students, along with networking lunches and dinners, provided meaningful opportunities to strengthen both existing and newly formed connections within the IITGN community.
The two-day event, which began on December 20 and will continue December 21, featured key highlights of the first day, including DJ nights, Hallabol (gully cricket games), faculty interactions, and Chai Pe Charcha activities.