IIT Mandi to Celebrate 17th Foundation Day, Showcasing Legacy and Future Vision
The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) is gearing up to celebrate its 17th Foundation Day on March 30, 2026. This event marks a significant milestone in the institute’s journey of academic excellence, innovation, and contributions to nation-building.
Event Overview
The celebration will feature a gathering of eminent leaders from various sectors, including academia, industry, and public service. The Chief Guest for the occasion will be Kris Gopalakrishnan, a Padma Bhushan awardee, Co-Founder of Infosys Ltd., and Chairman of Axilor Ventures. Additionally, Oussama Khatib, the Director of Stanford Robotics Lab, USA, will be present as the Distinguished Guest and will address the audience.
Message from the Director
In anticipation of the event, the Director of IIT Mandi, Laxmidhar Behera, expressed his thoughts: “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.”
Guests of Honour
The event will also be graced by several distinguished Guests of Honour, including:
- Timothy Gonsalves, Founding Director of IIT Mandi
- Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University
- Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University
The proceedings will be presided over by Lt. Gen. K. J. S. Dhillon (Retd.), the Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIT Mandi.
About IIT Mandi
Established in 2009, IIT Mandi has quickly risen to prominence as a leading institution known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and cutting-edge research. Located in the picturesque Kamand Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the institute has developed a robust ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.
Focus Areas and Contributions
IIT Mandi is particularly noted for its focus on emerging domains such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Sustainable Technologies
Through these focus areas, IIT Mandi continues to play a pivotal role in advancing science, technology, and national development.
Legacy and Future Vision
The 17th Foundation Day celebration not only commemorates the achievements of the past but also sets the stage for the future. The institute aims to continue its trajectory of growth and excellence by:
- Enhancing research capabilities
- Strengthening collaborations with industry
- Expanding its educational offerings
- Contributing to societal challenges through innovative solutions
Conclusion
The upcoming Foundation Day celebration at IIT Mandi is a testament to the institute’s commitment to excellence in education and research. As it reflects on its legacy, IIT Mandi is poised to embrace future challenges and opportunities, further solidifying its role as a leader in technological advancement and societal development.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates as of March 2026.
