IIT KGP Unveils Special Postage Stamp and Initiates Outreach Initiative with Houston
Kolkata, November 24, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has marked a significant milestone in its platinum jubilee celebrations by unveiling a special postage stamp issued by India Post. This event, which took place at Sriniketan in Bolpur, also initiated discussions on a proposed strategic outreach initiative in Houston, USA.
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence
The unveiling of the postage stamp highlights IIT Kharagpur’s 75 years of academic excellence, innovation, and service to the nation. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar (virtually)
- US Consul General Kolkata, Kathy Giles-Diaz
- Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIT Kharagpur, TV Narendran
- Director of IIT Kharagpur, Suman Chakraborty
- Chief Post Master General Kolkata, Ashok Kumar
- Other senior officials from India Post and IIT Kharagpur
A Symbol of National Recognition
The special postage stamp serves as a national recognition of IIT Kharagpur’s legacy as India’s first IIT and a pioneer in transformative education and research. According to an official statement from the institute, the release of the stamp was conducted simultaneously across 164,987 post offices nationwide, symbolizing the institute’s deep connection with citizens across the country.
Director Suman Chakraborty stated, “Postage stamps are more than functional artifacts; they are carriers of national memory, honoring institutions, people, and milestones that have shaped India. This special stamp immortalizes IIT Kharagpur’s remarkable contributions to education, technology, research, and nation-building.”
Strategic Outreach Initiative in Houston
During the event, IIT Kharagpur also initiated discussions regarding a potential strategic outreach initiative in Houston. This initiative is supported by Dr. Asoke Deysarkar, President of the IIT Kharagpur Foundation USA. The discussions focus on:
- Enhanced academic and research collaborations
- Strengthening innovation and entrepreneurial engagement
- Frameworks for cultural, scientific, and knowledge exchange
- Building long-term industry and alumni partnerships
- Developing a strategic roadmap for global outreach
Significance of the Venue
The decision to hold the event at Sriniketan, a location associated with the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore and close to Visva Bharati University, embodies India’s rich heritage of knowledge, creativity, and community-driven development. Director Chakraborty emphasized the symbolic alignment between Tagore’s philosophy of holistic education and IIT Kharagpur’s pioneering academic ecosystem.
Reflections on the Event
Chakraborty expressed pride in unveiling the commemorative stamp, stating, “It reflects our journey, our aspirations, and India’s trust in IIT Kharagpur’s vision for the future.” He also highlighted that the discussions on the Houston initiative mark the beginning of a strategic exploration to expand the institute’s global engagement.
Minister Sukanta Majumdar added, “The institute’s efforts to explore global partnerships, including the proposed initiative in Houston, further demonstrate its commitment to academic leadership and innovation.”
US Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz remarked, “IIT Kharagpur’s plan to establish an outreach center in Houston is an important initiative. This center strengthens America’s and India’s partnership in science, technology, and innovation at a moment of intensifying global competition.”
Legacy of IIT Kharagpur
Established in 1951 as India’s first Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur has pioneered transformative education, cutting-edge research, and global leadership for over seven decades. With its interdisciplinary academic ecosystem and a legacy built on innovation and excellence, IIT Kharagpur continues to shape leaders and visionaries worldwide.
Note: This article is based on information from a press release and has not been edited for content.
