Evolution and Excellence: The Journey of IIT Roorkee at 175
Embarking on a journey through time, IIT Roorkee stands tall at 175, a testament to its evolution from a humble engineering college to a cornerstone of national significance.
Born as The Roorkee College in 1847, it was the pioneering engineering institution under the British Empire, its prowess acknowledged for its potential to serve the burgeoning needs of independent India.
“In the realm of technical education, we now proudly stand among the top six in India, a distinction backed by a legacy spanning over seven decades,” remarked BVR Mohan Reddy, Chairman of IIT Roorkee’s Board of Governors.
Underneath the radiant sun, the verdant lawns of IIT Roorkee witnessed a jubilant congregation of alumni, students, and parents, reuniting to commemorate the institute’s 175th Foundation Day. Emotions ran high as old acquaintances embraced after years apart.
The metamorphosis of IIT Roorkee from its inception in the British era to its current stature as one of India’s premier IITs is nothing short of extraordinary.
Established initially as The Roorkee College in 1847, it earned the distinction of being the first engineering college in the British Empire, recognized for its performance and potential in light of India’s nascent independence.
In November 1949, it ascended to become independent India’s inaugural engineering university.
Fast forward to September 21, 2001, a pivotal moment marked by parliamentary decree, transforming the institution into an institute of national importance, shedding its former identity as the University of Roorkee to embrace the mantle of the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Today, IIT Roorkee shines brightly, particularly in domains such as earthquake detection and water management.
Addressing the audience, BVR Mohan Reddy, also the Founder Chairman of Cyient, reflected on the fleeting nature of corporate longevity amidst fierce competition, a phenomenon mirrored in academia. However, contrary to this trend, IIT Roorkee has defied the odds, its 175-year journey solidifying its status as a bastion of excellence.
“Our position among India’s top six technical institutes today is not merely a product of infrastructure or campus aesthetics but stems from our academic prowess and the caliber of research we undertake,” he asserted.
“We must erect institutions designed to withstand the test of time. The foundation upon which IIT Roorkee stands is robust, yet we must remain adaptable. The landscape of education has evolved; the onus is on us, the educators, to engage this new generation effectively,” he emphasized.
Echoing these sentiments, KK Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, outlined the institute’s vision to spearhead the transition into a new era of higher education, bolstering research efforts to drive societal progress through innovation.
“Our institute not only blazes trails in research and innovation but also nurtures symbiotic relationships between academia and industry for the greater good,” he affirmed.
Under the banner of IITR@175, IIT Roorkee has extended its reach, fostering collaboration with institutions within a 200 km radius, catalyzing research initiatives, bolstering infrastructure, and securing funding from diverse sources.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla lauded IIT Roorkee’s steadfast commitment to achieving global excellence in education and fostering innovation for a sustainable and equitable society.
“I am confident that IIT Roorkee will continue to be a beacon of national service, bolstering India’s reputation as a Vishwa Guru,” he proclaimed.
The festivities also provided a platform for start-ups incubated at the institute to showcase their cutting-edge products and technologies in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and electric vehicles.