IIT Madras Bags Rs 228 crore donation for Global Student Scholarship

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on Tuesday received a monumental donation of Rs.228 crore, the largest single donation in its history, from its Alumnus Krishna Chivukula (M.Tech, 1970), founder of INDO US MIM Y Tech in Bengaluru. This significant contribution by Krishna Chivukula will be used to support international students at IIT Madras through various scholarships, grant programmes, and sports scholarships, among others. The Institute honoured Chivukula by offering an academic block – 'Krishna Chivukula Block' - during an event at the campus on August 6.

Mahesh Panchagnula, dean of IIT Madras, said: "Krishna Chivukula is not just a successful techno-businessman but also an ideal alumnus. Other notable members of IIT Madras, such as Professor V Kamakoti and Professor Mahesh Panchagnula, as well as other fellow researchers and faculty members, attended the event.

Thanks to the collective efforts of our alumni, students, faculty, and donors, including you, IIT Madras raised a historic high of ₹513 Crore during 2023-24, a 135 per cent increase from the previous financial year. The number of donors giving over ₹1 Crore to the Institute was 48 (16 alumni donors and 32 Corporate Partners). The total amount raised through alums alone during 2023-24 was ₹367 Crore, an increase of 282 per cent compared with the previous year, the release said. This remarkable growth in alum donations is a testament to the enduring spirit of giving back deeply ingrained in the IIT Madras community.

Dr. Krishna Chivukula's donation enhances IIT Madras's capabilities and sets an inspiring precedent for alum philanthropy. It demonstrates how private support can drive meaningful impact in education and research.