IIT celebrates foundation day

BHUBANESWAR: Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar observed its 11^th Foundation Day at its Argul Campus, Jatni here Tuesday.

Ganeshi Lal, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, graced the programme as the chief guest and inaugurated the ceremony. S Christopher, Former Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, delivered the Foundation Day Lecture as Guest of Honour.

While addressing the gathering, Prof. R V Raja Kumar, Director, welcomed the guests and invitees and gave a brief account of development of the Institute.  He informed that the Institute has grown from strength to strength by improving in all fronts by placing itself in a good position both in national and international ranking.  He added that the institute was ranked fourth in the country in research citation.

Hon’ble Governor appreciated the director of the Institute for his outstanding leadership and vision in shaping the future of the institute.  He expressed his gratitude to the director for his immense contribution in the development of the society by imparting disciplined teaching and research output.  Addressing the students Prof. Lal put emphasis on the spiritual and inner development of the self to make best use of science and technology.

The day witnessed organisation of a Open Day in the campus from 9:30 AM to 6.00 PM with the participation of 5000 school students from Class-VI to Class- XII and Junior Engineering students from across the city and the state. On the eve, as a part of the open day, science and technology exhibitions, live projects were organized by the students of IIT, spanning across all of its schools.  More than 207 exhibits were displayed and demonstrated to the visitors.

Apart from a number of colleges and schools from in and around Bhubaneswar, students of far of colleges from Berhampur, Balasore and Rayagada visited the institute in large numbers and participated in the exhibition enthusiastically. The day ended with a cultural performance by the students of IIT Bhubaneswar.