Mandi: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) is set to
celebrate its 17th Foundation Day on March 30, 2026, marking a significant
milestone in its journey of academic excellence, innovation, and
nation-building.
The
celebration will witness the presence of eminent leaders from academia,
industry, and public service. The Chief Guest for the occasion will be Kris
Gopalakrishnan, Padma Bhushan awardee, Co-Founder of Infosys Ltd. and Chairman
of Axilor Ventures. The event will also feature Oussama Khatib, Director of
Stanford Robotics Lab, USA, as the Distinguished Guest, who will address the
gathering.
On the
occasion, the Director of IIT Mandi, Laxmidhar Behera, said, “The Foundation
Day is an important milestone that reflects our journey of growth, innovation,
and commitment to excellence. Over the past sixteen years, IIT Mandi has
steadily evolved into a center of academic distinction and impactful research.
As we celebrate this day, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing talent,
advancing knowledge, and contributing meaningfully to society and the nation.”
The
programme will be further enriched by the presence of Guests of Honour,
including Timothy Gonsalves, Founding Director of IIT Mandi; Ajit Kumar
Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University; and Vinay Kumar
Pathak, Vice Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University. The event
will be presided over by Lt. Gen. K. J. S. Dhillon (Retd.), Chairperson, Board
of Governors, IIT Mandi.
Established
in 2009, IIT Mandi has emerged as a premier institution known for its strong
emphasis on interdisciplinary education and cutting-edge research. Nestled in
the scenic Kamand Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the institute has built a robust
ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. With
a focus on emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and
sustainable technologies, IIT Mandi continues to play a pivotal role in
advancing science, technology, and national development.