11th Alumni Day at IIT Delhi: A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation

New Delhi, 23rd December 2024: IIT Delhi organized its 11th Alumni Day on December 22, 2024, at the Lecture Hall Complex (LHC), under the theme "Engage, Enrich, Empower: Celebration of an Emotion." This momentous occasion brought together alumni, students, and other dignitaries to celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and innovation that defines the IITD community.
The day commenced with Registration and Hi-Tea, followed by opening remarks by Dr. Kamalika Banerjee, Convener of Alumni Day 2024. Mr. Maneesh Jaiswal, President of IITD Alumni Association (IITDAA), delivered a warm Welcome Address, setting a celebratory tone. Reflecting on IIT Delhi’s achievements and aspirations, Prof. Nilanjan Senroy, Dean Alumni Relations, said, “This event is a testament to the lifelong bond between our alumni and their alma mater. Together, we are not only reminiscing but also building a bright future for the institute and society at large."
The Chief Guest, Mr. Dharmendra (IAS), Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government, addressed the gathering, emphasizing, “IIT Delhi’s alumni are a shining example of how education can create leaders who drive change at every level of society. Their contributions resonate globally, and events like these foster the energy and ideas needed for nation-building.”
In his inspiring Keynote Address, Mr. Sumant Sinha, CEO & Chairman of ReNew, observed: "The future of sustainable development and energy innovation lies in the hands of institutions like IIT Delhi and its alumni. This gathering shows the power of collective intellect and collaboration.
Guest of Honor, Mr. Jyoti Bansal, an internationally renowned entrepreneur said, "Innovation flourishes in communities where diversity and out-of-box thinking are celebrated. IIT Delhi and its alumni embody that spirit, pushing boundaries and building solutions that matter."
Thematic sessions were one of the highlights of the day. The session "Being the Change: Change-makers Building Bharat" featured luminaries such as Padmashri Prof. Anil Gupta, who commented, "The true essence of change-making lies in grassroots innovation and empathy for the underprivileged." The other panellists were Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS), who said, "It's inspiring to see IIT alumni not just excelling in their fields but also contributing to societal transformation in profound ways."
The session "Earth 2.0: Sustainability Innovators" featured some thought leaders like Mr. Alok Aggarwal and Dr. Anjan Ray, who shared their insights on sustainability challenges and innovative solutions. Mr. Aggarwal observed, "Sustainability is no longer a choice; it's an imperative. IIT Delhi has a pivotal role in nurturing eco-conscious innovators."
A special session, "Parallel Universe: Celebrating Mavericks and Unconventionals," felicitated doyens of their streams like the worldwide-renowned bridge player, Mr. Rajeswar Tewari: "Unconventional paths lead to extraordinary destinations and events like these encourage such journeys."
The Startup Pitch Tank was another standout segment wherein budding entrepreneurs presented innovative ideas to a panel of industry leaders, including Mr. Amit Jain, Founder of CarDekho, who said, "Entrepreneurship thrives in ecosystems that encourage bold ideas. IIT Delhi continues to foster such ecosystems."
The program concluded with a grand cultural extravaganza featuring Shaan, whose soulful performance at the Open Air Theatre (OAT) enthralled the audience. A networking dinner gave alumni and guests a chance to reconnect and reminisce and strengthen bonds within the IIT Delhi community.
The success of the event was facilitated by the sponsors, Central Park, Spinny, Realme, Eightfold.ai, Dyna Aircon, IFFCO, Risk Berg, and Canara Bank. The organizing team is also thanked, as it worked tirelessly to make this day a true celebration of emotion, connection, and inspiration.
Summing up the spirit of the day, IITDAA President, Mr. Maneesh Jaiswal, said that "Alumni Day is more than an event; it's a celebration of our collective identity. It strengthens the bond between our past, present, and future, creating a legacy of impact and inspiration.
Over 60,000 alumni worldwide, IITDAA continues to bridge the gap between the alumni and the institute. Relationships fostered by this body contribute to nation-building and societal transformation. Alumni Day will remain a cherished occasion for going back into nostalgic memories, sharing success stories, and inspiring the younger generation to dream big and take bold strides toward a brighter future.