IIT Madras Spearheads Future Technologies with National CSR Summit
In an impressive gathering at the campus on February 17, 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) orchestrated a landmark event titled ‘Building India 2047 – Technology for Better Tomorrow’. This National CSR Summit was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and intent, aimed at leveraging technology to forge a brighter future for India.
The summit, a first of its kind, served as a testament to IIT Madras’s commitment towards catalyzing societal transformation through technological intervention. It spotlighted the institute’s role as a linchpin in fostering collaborations that address critical societal challenges. Over the years, IIT Madras has cemented its reputation as a cradle for innovation, partnering with more than 160 leading corporates, Public Sector Units (PSUs), and institutions to drive projects amounting to over Rs 450 Crore across diverse social themes through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, along with an assembly of industry leaders, corporate firms, and luminaries from across the country. The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the IIT Madras CSR Awards (2023), celebrating exceptional CSR initiatives and partnerships.
“We are living in an era of technological renaissance,” Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan articulated during his keynote address. He underscored the critical role of research institutions like IIT Madras in fostering innovation, especially in a time teeming with technological advancements akin to the seminal periods of the internet and personal computing. The minister also lauded the institute for its endeavors in propelling inclusivity, particularly its efforts to integrate students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds and improve the standards of education in Tamil Nadu.
Under the stewardship of Professor V Kamakoti, IIT Madras has taken significant strides in utilizing technology for societal betterment. The institute has embarked on pioneering projects, such as the development of 3D-printed rocket engines, which promise to revolutionize satellite launches by significantly reducing manufacturing time and enhancing reliability.
The summit unfolded a series of engaging discussions, roundtable conferences, and networking sessions aimed at delineating the pathway for future collaborations. It also provided a platform to showcase the myriad technological partnerships and innovations incubated at IIT Madras, spotlighting their potential to drive impactful social change.
Professor Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras, called attention to the ambitious nature of current students and the institute’s role in nurturing their aspirations. Whether it involves backing start-ups or investing in high-risk technological projects with the potential to change the status quo, IIT Madras is at the forefront of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
In wrapping up the summit, Mr. Kaviraj Nair, Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Institutional Advancement at IIT Madras, underscored the essential role of CSR in advancing scientific research and innovation. The conclave signified the collective endeavor to bridge the gap between industry, academia, and policy-making sectors, paving the way for a synergistic approach towards a sustainable future.
Among its numerous impacts, IIT Madras has trailblazed projects that resonate with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), emphasizing the institute’s pivotal role in shaping a technology-driven future that promises equity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.
With its eyes set on ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, IIT Madras continues to lead the charge in harnessing the power of technology to create tangible, scalable, and sustainable solutions, embodying the spirit of innovation that drives societal progress.
