STORY CREDITS
Writer: Vasudha Chatterjee
Photo: Mayur Bhatiya
A reputed academic institute always entails a lot more than academia. It includes an experienced governing body, a set of strategic decision makers, and a driving force comprising researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders. The 13th Leadership Conclave (LC) of the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) brought these forces together under the same roof on Jan 11, 2025, to deliberate upon the Institute’s short, medium and long-term strategic issues. The prestigious annual event hosts leaders from various domains across India and abroad, and acts as a guide for the growth and prosperity of IITGN. The Conclave tapped into the expertise of more than 40 speakers this year, belonging to organisations like the World Economic Forum, USA; Bankworld Incorporated, USA; Kaaj Ventures, USA; Wheel Global Foundation, USA; Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, among several others. They were joined by some of the most accomplished alumni and faculty of IITGN, hailing from various disciplines.
Prof Pallavi Bharadwaj, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering, IITGN, started the session by summarising the discussion points of the 12th LC, and charted out the progress made by the Institute in the last one year. She introduced the various initiatives undertaken by IITGN at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and noted the significance of the event in determining the present and future of the Institute. Her introductory remarks were followed by a welcome address by Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, who warmly greeted all the dignitaries, and thanked them for their continuous support in various capacities. “When we started this Institute, we only had 90 students. Today, that number has increased to 3000. We have come a long way, and are only growing henceforth.” noted Prof Moona. Besides mentioning the several entrepreneurs and industry professionals who have strengthened the core of IITGN, Prof Moona also highlighted the support of institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur and IISc Bangalore in shaping the academic ethos of the Institute. Shri Ruyingtan E Mehta, Co-Director for Water Program, Wheel Global Foundation, USA, remarked: “Although I am an alumnus of IIT Bombay, my heart beats here at IIT Gandhinagar”.
Following these introductory remarks, the participants were segregated into five groups, each deliberating on one of the following agendas:
- Partnering for Success: How to Strengthen Academic-Industry Networks to Attract Major Investment
- Catalysing Success in Faculty and Student Entrepreneurship
- Future-Proofing Careers: Upskilling and Competency Development Programs
- Bridging the Gap: Advancing Translational Research in Academia
- Bridging Education and Employment: Best Practices for Successful Placements
These panels were headed by a faculty member from IITGN, who summarised the major discussion points and created a space for active deliberation. The speakers emphasised on the need for advancing translational research in academia, and noted the significance of industry-academia collaborations in the contemporary world. Shri Pradeep Bhargava, Chairman, MCEF Ltd, Pune, reflected upon the importance of ‘Professor of Practice’ and advised the significance of “bringing practice to Professors”. He proposed researchers to take sabaticals, not only to fulfill their academic pursuits, but to engage with an industry and work with them first hand. While his advise was aimed at fostering longer industry-academia collaborations, others unveiled new visions of doing business by distinguishing entrepreneurship from entrepreneurial thinking. A lot of emphasis was also placed on strengthening the fundamentals of students by adopting a curriculum that would make them malleable to change, and ensure their survival in any situation whatsoever. Furthermore, a detailed discussion was carried out on the career advancements of students. Methods of direct and indirect counselling were brought to the fore, which trangessed the conventional modes of mentorship, and took into account direct mentorship from industry professionals, startup-founders, and alumni.
The event reinforced IITGN’s commitment to continuous upskilling, industry engagement, and academic development, and bore witness to the support provided by the diverse community of scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts in making it an institution of national repute.
This news has been covered by some of the most reputed national and regional dailies. To read more, click on the links below:
2. Kesari Daily