Bengaluru, November 3, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) celebrated its 66th Foundation Day on 2nd November 2025 with great enthusiasm and pride. The event was graced by Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Ropar and IIT Goa, as the Chief Guest.
The celebrations commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chief Guest, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, in the presence of Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director IIT Kanpur, Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni IIT Kanpur; Prof. Jitendra K. Bera, Dean of Faculty Affairs IIT Kanpur; and along with other distinguished faculty members, students, staff, and guests.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, congratulated the esteemed awardees and highlighted several recent milestones of the Institute, including the establishment of the Wadhwani School of AI & Intelligent Systems, laying the foundation stone for the construction of Kotak School of Sustainability building, and the institute’s growing focus on interdisciplinary and translational research. “It is a day that marks not just the establishment of an Institute but the beginning of a continuing journey of knowledge, innovation and mentoring generations of young minds. We are privileged to have Shri Adil Zainulbhai amongst us today. On behalf of the Institute and on my personal behalf, I would like to thank him for agreeing to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.” said Prof. Agrawal.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Ropar and IIT Goa, said, “IIT Kanpur has long stood as a beacon of technological and scientific excellence. Over the decades, its alumni, students, and faculty have made defining contributions to India’s growth story. As IIT Kanpur celebrates 66 years of remarkable achievements, it continues to inspire future generations to innovate with purpose and lead with integrity. IITK has to become an innovation and economic engine in line with Viksit Bharat goals.”
A total of 21 awardees were felicitated this year across various categories — Institute Fellows, Distinguished Alumni Awards, Distinguished Services Awards, and Young Alumni Awards, recognizing their outstanding achievements, service to the institute, and exemplary contributions to society and nation-building.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director, IIT Kanpur, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, awardees, faculty, students, and guests for their presence and participation. The event concluded with the National Anthem, marking the close of a day that celebrated IIT Kanpur’s enduring spirit of innovation, excellence, and service to the nation.
