Visit to IIT London Chapter (UK) by Dr. Sudhir Jain, Dean Resource, Planning and Generation IIT Kanpur in April 2006

About 20 IITians from (Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai, Roorkee and Madras) gathered together for a drinks reception hosted by Mr. Harsh Jain IFS, (First Secretary Indian High Commission and alumni of IITD) and Mrs Vandana Jain followed by a dinner in a local Indian Tandoori restaurant in London.

Mr. PK Agrawala (PK) the Joint Secretary on IIT London Chapter (IITLC) welcomed the guests including Dr. Sudhir Jain, Dean IITK and Mr. Ashank Desai Chairman of Mastek and of PAN IIT association in India.

PK outlined the activities of IITLC and how the organisation has grown into 500+ members since it’s inception in year 2000 and it’s list of distinguished guests – including the High Commissioner of India, the High Commissioner of Britain and Noble Laureate Amartya Sen to name a few. He emphasised the intent of IITLC to work with IITs for a common goal of achieving excellence.

He also threw a few concerns to the house for debate and the Dean. Concerns like growing number of IIT institutions vs. standards of these institutions, growing number of student’s intake vs. facilities, growing number of seat reservations vs. merit and growing number of IIT graduate engineers being lost to non engineering professions.

There followed a healthy debate with major participation by all attendees and very able handling of the issues by the Dean. Dr. Jain, while discussing the facilities, He particularly highlighted the importance of alumni contribution to their alma mater both in terms of technical and financial support. He emphasized the value of 95% alumni contributing a smaller but very significant 5% of financial support.

Later, Mr. Ashank Desai outlined the plans for the forthcoming global pan IIT conference in Mumbai in Dec 2006. Mr. Desai highlighted the facilities that will be made available to the participants including possibilities of special air fares to Mumbai. Mr Desai requested suggestions on the topics, speakers and any other issues relevant to the conference.

On the whole it was an enjoyable evening giving IITians an opportunity to network and express ideas. IITLC Exec Committee was additionally represented by Dr. R. Jain, President, who gave vote of thanks, Dr. R. Benodekar, Founder Member and Arun Singhal.