Month: September 2022

IIT KGP signs LoI with TUM

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur signed a LoI (Letter of Intent) with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) on Indo-German Collaborative Research Centre of Intelligent Transportation Systems (IGCRCoITS) at IIT Kharagpur. The collaborative Research & Development (R&D) between both the institutions will emphasize on the main areas of intelligent transportation enhancing Electric Mobility Systems including automobiles, rail, marine craft, UAVs etc. Vehicle Energy Management, Battery Management Systems, Transportation Software and Security, Public Transportation, Data-driven Transport Planning and Emerging Mobility Solutions will be the major focus areas.The Indo German Partnership (IGP) project was agreed on sponsorship by Germany and India to foster collaborations and interactions between the Institutions. The first workshop was launched on 25th November 2020.

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Larissa Danschina, Program Manager TUM, Student Mobility Division, Technical University of Munich remarked, “Thanks to you and your team, my stay on the beautiful campus of IIT KGP was enjoyable and successful. I was able to fulfill everything I had planned for my business trip to your university. We would very much like to continue our relationship with IIT Kharagpur in the future and are very glad that your institution is also interested in renewing our partnership. During our meeting, we also raised the issue of adapting the exchange semester to the different academic calendars at the partner universities.”

The first phase of the FutureTrans project started from 2018, established workshops, research groups, sponsored as well as doctoral research in diversified area of academia along with numerous publications in reputed journals and conference papers in the area of Intelligent Transportation. Along the lines of promoting Intelligent Transportation, lIT Kharagpur launched an M.Tech programme on Electric Transportation.

Prof. Virendra Kumar Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur remarked, “This Center would form the umbrella academic unit orchestrating and synergizing with several research centres and facilities on transportation at IIT Kharagpur including the IGCRCoITS. The FutureTrans project assures self-sustainability of IGCRCoITS in terms of resources and expansion along with inclusion of new participants from the academia and industrial domains, for both India and Germany. Advanced research, consultancy, advisory and training programmes with participation of various beneficiary partners will create new domains to implement Intelligent Transportation Systems which will be a conducive implementation of intellectual product designs.”

Media Coverage :

India Today NDTV education PTI
Indian Express Jagran The Print – English
ETV Bharat Free Press Journal Navbharat Times
The Print – Hindi Money Control Edexlive
Janta Se Rishta    

Content Writer : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur; Twitter – @IITKgp;  Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
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The Home called Alma Mater – The Class of KGPian Millennials

Homecoming 2022 of the 10th, 15th & 20th Graduates of IIT KGP

Every happiness of yesterday is a memory for tomorrow. Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. This feeling was revived by our class of KGPian Millennials who revisited the home that nourished and shaped them…to make them what they are today. From 17th to 20th August 2022, along the lines of IIT Kharagpur’s 72nd Foundation Day, the institute welcomed the classes of 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010 & 2012 batches who held nothing but gratitude and affection for their Alma Mater. Their eyes sparkled with joy, that they shared with the Campus, the Professors, the Staffs and the entire IIT KGP community that welcomed them with the plethora of belongingness they had bid farewell to. With lots of transitions that encountered them at their first glace to the institute, the essence of the institute with the starry night and the dancing trees stood ecstatic.

IIT Kharagpur’s Homecoming is an annual quest of memorabilia that happens every year. Since 2018, batches who have completed 20, 15 and 10 years of association with the Institute from the date of joining the institute, assemble to rejoice the coming together of Alums celebrating the institute’s birthday on 18 August with their overwhelming presence in the campus. The air inside the campus breathes differently when its Homecoming, a Celebration of the Wishful Bonds, together with students, faculty members and campus residents. This year, the campus honoured the Young Alumni Achievers for the year 2022 for their technological developments, innovative researches, service towards the community, service towards the nation, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, governance and administration, social impact and social welfare, contributions towards nation building and other professional accomplishments. IIT Kharagpur is proud to recognize its outstanding, notable and accomplished young alumni, who have made distinguished and outstanding contributions in their respective domains and areas.

Prof. Debashish Chakravarty, Associate Dean, Alumni Affairs & Branding announced the names of the awardees who were conferred the Alumni Endowed Student Scholarship. He stated that, “These awards are instituted by none other than the Alumni themselves. Under the eligibility of certain criterion and depending on the number of applicants, the winners have been recognized. I congratulate all the awardees and thank all the Alums who connected with us in this Homecoming 2022.”

So much has changed since the last time I came herein 2010, I literally was unable to locate Cheddi while entering IIT KGP says Mr. Swapnil Tembe [2009/B.Tech/ME/RP]. The Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills District in Meghalaya left Deloitte in 2011 to become an IAS officer reminisces his long journey. Upon asking how he would like to get connected with his Alma Mater he said, “On the grounds of social entrepreneurship, policy reforms, with the new disciplines coming in the amalgamation of technology and public policy, how technology can assist public services, how we can collaborate with technology to brush up public services etc. He further suggested in identifying the problems, with a proforma of questions on the respective fields where things can be executed and the solutions or comprehending researches can give the solutions accordingly. He added , ” The IIT KGP is a huge community out there, even in my state there are officers from IIT Kharagpur, therefore the local meet-ups is necessary that will keep the continuity and strengthen associations with the Alma Mater. Many of the batch mates are spread across different regions, so if we could have regional conclaves for North-East zone and other zones as well, to get more participation and collaborations eventually. He stressed on Career Counselling saying that you should do things that you love otherwise it is just a job. It feels really great to be recognized by your own Alma Mater.”

Walked past those memory lanes Mr. Abhishek Kumar Yadav [2006/B.Tech/CH/AZ] Founder Chairman & Academic Director at Griffins International School remarked, “Even after getting so many awards from all over the world, there is nothing like getting recognized by your Alma Mater. I think all the IITians love the atmosphere here. After working for a period of time, I thought of starting something of my own but Entrepreneurship was something that excited me, so I came back  to India and set a factory in Kharagpur. Interestingly IIT Kharagpur did not use the Green Technology up until then so I met the professors and convinced them that we should go for Green Technology because now the competition is not among states or countries, it is at a global level.

A wave of emotions filled up as he made his way to visit his classrooms, Mr. Saroj Kumar Thakur [2006/DD/EC/AZ], District Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu (IPS) said, “It is a totally different feeling to receive the Young Alumni Achieve’s Award. I have been here 5 years from 2001 to 2006, so all those things are coming back to me. The campus is much more greener and beautiful than it was before and the Azad Hall where I was, has also changed quite a lot which is a very pleasant surprise for me. I believe in the fact that if an IITian of Kharagpur cannot do something, nobody in the world can do it, not even god (laughs). He advised everyone to take up civil services says,”Everybody should prepare for UPSC because while studying for UPSC, I came to know the entire history, geography and the whole constitution of India. These studies help you to understand your country better, from inside out. Frankly speaking, I have not given back anything to my Alma Mater till now but I am ready to oblige to any of the requests that my Institution asks from me. He smirks and adds that now its upon my Alma Mater, anything that I can contribute personally, any help that is needed from my department as well I will happily comply. With immense pride I say this sitting here that whatever I am today is because of my Alma Mater.”

Walking along the green stretches of the campus, Mr. Abhinav Kumar [2008/B.Tech/CH/LLR], Divisional Forest Officer, Hapoli Forest Division, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh (IFS) remarked, ” It is good to be back after 8 years. Interestingly, while I was here, I did not get any medals but I must really add that getting into IIT Kharagpur is an achievement itself and something to be proud of yourself as well as for your family. It feels ecstatic when your Alma mater calls you up to honour you with an award, it is an happiness that cannot be defined in words. In the outside world, IIT Kharagpur is a brand and I feel this huge gratitude, it is really a great honour. Today we need good people in the government services as you have to be the change you want to see in the world around you. I think with the young generation coming in the civil services, we can indulge in a greater vision for the country. I would love to indulge people in providing meaningful direction and my Alma Mater is the best place to start with it.”

Ankit Jain [2013/B.Tech/MT/PH], Co-Founder, GDi Partners says, ” The institute has produced many Alumni to do wonderful things in life making us confident to seek ambition and do great things which was very evident when I started working after college. I would like to apologize to the institute for not being connected to the Institute from the last few years. After sharing our thoughts with Directors and other professors I would like to be associated more with the Institute with the immediate support that is required.”

Prof. Jayanta Mukhopadhyay, Dean Outreach & Alumni Affairs said, “From the corporate world to sports to entrepreneurs to civil servants, we find KGPians in every sphere of our society. All of our Alums are striving for excellence in their respective fields bearing proud signature of IIT Kharagpur every year. With my short association with the Alumni Affairs as Dean, I had innumerable happy interactions with our Alums who are so very passionate towards their Alma Mater. Literally, IIT KGP Fraternity is the epitome of age old mantra of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. During the last two and a half years of the pandemic, we received tremendous help and support in various forms, from our Alumni not only for our faculty, staff and students but also, to reaching out to our greater community whom we consider inseparable in our ecosystem. We would be celebrating Platinum Jubilee function of IIT Kharagpur which would mark 75 years of the Institute’s foundation, from 18 August 2025 to 17 August 2026, and have various programmes to be celebrated year long, not only here but in different cities and places where our Alums have a strong presence. We look forward to your active and passionate participation in the celebration.”

86 years old Mr. Saripalle Satyamurthy, an Alumnus from the second batch of IIT Kharagpur after its formation in 1951 inspired everybody with his presence & was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2020, unable to collect due to the pandemic. He said, ” Its after 66 years that I actually came to my campus. Embarking on a poignant memory again, he added, “All of my contemporaries are gone now, I wanted to visit the campus with them. It was thrilling and exciting when Prime Minister announce my name for the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2020, all my family and friends were really excited. With my Alma Mater, I wanted to be connected with the new things that they are developing especially for the rural community in regard to Rural Development Organization, any machinery or technology that will be beneficial to them and that should be made efficient using modern technology. Consideration should be made for the people for whom the technology is being made. With the reasonable income that I have, I wanted to contribute something to the hostels for renovations and I want to participate in the redevelopment of rooms.”

Campus tour, engagement programmes, department visit and strategic meetings, the Office of Alumni Affairs welcomed the Homecomers of 2022 in a pursuit of endearing fondness and helped them to revisit their Alma Mater in a more profound way. Discussions, meetings, brainstorming, cultural inhibitions, concrete ideations and entertaining all the fads of the Alumni, their endeavors has helped the institution to raise many endowments for institutional development. Ms. Swagata Nimaiyar(2002/BTech/AG/SN/IG) has pledged for an endowment of three lakh rupees during Homecoming 2022. IIT Kharagpur is grateful to the Alumni fraternity for their continuous support and guidance.

Inputs from : Office of the Alumni, IIT Kharagpur
Email : anamika.das@adm.iitkgp.ac.in

Interviewed by : Rituparna Chakraborty, Office of the Alumni, IIT Kharagpur
Email : rituani07@gmail.com

Edited by : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur;  Twitter – @IITKgp;  Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
For news visit: https://kgpchronicle.iitkgp.ac.in/

Effective Control Technologies to Reduce Sulphur Dioxide Pollution In India

FLUE GAS DESULPHURIZATION REDUCES SO2 POLLUTION IN INDIA

A study by a team of researchers from IIT Kharagpur led by Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath from Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL) found a significant decline in SO2 trends in India in the last decade, as compared to those in the previous three decades. The decrease in trend and concentration of SO2 is due to the environmental regulation and adaptation of effective control technologies such as scrubber and Flue Gas Desulphurization that shows the positive impact of technological advance and policy decisions to improve the air quality in India. The study represents temporal changes in SO2 concentrations over India in the past four decades (1980–2020). Thermal power plants (51%), and manufacturing and construction industries (29%) are the main sources of anthropogenic SO2 in India. The temporal analyses reveal that SO2 concentrations in India increased between 1980 and 2010 due to high coal burning and lack of novel technology to contain the emissions during that period. Both economic growth and air pollution control can be performed hand-in-hand by adopting new technology to reduce SO2 and GHG emission.

Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath
Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL)
IIT Kharagpur

“SO2 is an atmospheric pollutant and can be converted to sulfate aerosols in high humid conditions. These aerosols can affect cloud reflectively, rainfall and regional climate by modifying the radiative forcing.  At high concentrations, SO2 affects adversely on human health and ecosystem as well. Therefore, continuous monitoring of its abundance in the atmosphere is highly warranted, as these kind of analyses would help making the policy decisions related to emissions. This particular study is serving that purpose,” remarked Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath, Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL), IIT Kharagpur and the lead author of the study.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is one of the criteria pollutants that mainly released from the coal-based thermal power plants. At higher concentrations, it has hazardous affects on public health and environs. In this study, we find a significant decline in SO2 trends in India in the last decade, as compared to those in the previous three decades. The decrease in trend and concentration of SO2 is due to the environmental regulation and adaptation of effective control technologies such as Scrubber and Flue Gas Desulphurization showing the positive impact of technological advance and policy decisions to improve the air quality in India.

“Our analysis shows Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central and Eastern India regions as the SO2 hotspots in India. Although there is a relative reduction in SO2 in the last decade, the concentration of SO2 is still very high in these regions. Therefore, we need to continue our efforts to reduce SO2 emission in India, whether it is with innovative technology or environmental regulations,” said Vikas Kumar Patel, another author of the paper.

Fig 1: The SO2 trends in the last four decades in India. A rapid economic development in the 2001-2010 periods shows the largest trends among the decades. However, the recent decades with technological advance and environment policies help to reduce atmospheric SO2 concentrations and its trends.

An improved air quality monitoring network is needed to understand the spatial and temporal changes of pollutants, which would help to make policies relevant to improve air quality and to meet targeted reduction in emissions. The measurements and emissions in this study have uncertainities and are not computed in absolute figures. However, the trends computed are statistically significant across all Indian regions. Therefore, the findings have important implications for future environmental policies on India’s SO2 emissions and for understanding the impact of SO2 on regional climate, air quality, ecosystem dynamics, and public health. This study also provides a baseline for future studies that would critically examine changes in SO2 pollution as a result of the country’s socio-economic development.

“What we have found from our analysis is that, SO2 has been increasing in India for the past few decades, consistent with our economic development, but a declining trend in SO2 is found in the last decade (2010-2020). This is a good sign. The implementation of Bharat Stage norms on vehicular emissions, regulations for power plants to employ scrubber and FGD technologies, and policies encouraging the production of renewable energy may have contributed to this reduction in SO2 emissions,” added Prof. Kuttippurath.

Fig 2: Ground-based measurements also show reduction or stabilization of SO2 emissions; as shown for different cities here.

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization in the past decades, India’s energy demand has been increased substantially with coal consumptions. The expansion of coal-based electricity generation in India is the primary cause of the country’s high emission. Although these help economic development of the country, the air pollution also increases along with it, which poses a health concern. Currently, India is one of the world largest emitters of SO2, accounting for more than 15% of global anthropogenic emissions. The situation warrants reduction SO2 emission in our country. However, majority of coal plants in India lack the Flue-Gas Desulfurization (FGD) technology necessary to adequately remove SO2 emissions. On the other hand, India’s power sector has seen an increase in renewable energy capacity, which would help to curb the pollution in India.

Prof. V K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur stated, “India relies heavily on coal-based thermal power plants to meet its energy demands. Analysis of spatial and temporal changes in SO2 using accurate and continuous observations is required to formulate mitigation strategies to curb the increasing air pollution in India. Since 2010, India’s renewable energy production has also increased substantially when India adopted a sustainable development policy. The shift in energy production from conventional coal to renewable sources, solid environmental regulation, better inventory, and effective technology would help to curb SO2 pollution in India. India’s nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement includes achieving about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. This commitment would help to reduce the dependency on the coal-based energy, and also help to curb the SO2 pollution in the future.”

Publication Links:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-21319-2

Media Coverage:

Economic Times The Hindu Business Standard
Deccan Herald Financial Express Telegraph
Jagran The Print Siasat
Khabar Dunya The Hans India Gulf Today
Mongabay    

Contact Person: Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath, Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL)
Email: jayan@coral.iitkgp.ac.in

Edited by : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur; Twitter – @IITKgp;  Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
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Sanskrit….The Language of Indian Sanskriti `वसुधैव-कुटुम्बकम्`

Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS) of IIT Kharagpur celebrated the ‘Sanskrit Week’

 

सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या नास्ति विद्यार्थिनः सुखम्।
सुखार्थी वा त्यजेद्विद्यां विद्यार्थी वा त्यजेत्सुखम्॥

 

There is no knowledge for the seekers of comfort, and no comfort for the seekers of knowledge.
A seeker of comfort should give up knowledge, and a seeker of knowledge should give up comfort.​

 

Swami Vivekananda said, “Because the very sound of  Sanskrit words gives a prestige and a power and a strength to the race.”

Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS) of IIT Kharagpur celebrated Sanskrit Week from 9th August to 15th August 2022 with an array of programs. The CoE-IKS took this initiative to create an awareness about the vast knowledge tradition that the language of Sanskrit beholds for the Modern India. On the first day Prof. V. R. Desai, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, inaugurated the series of programs  and spoke about the relevance of Sanskrit in present times, its importance in developing ourselves socioeconomically, scientifically, and technologically in every field while preserving the great heritage. Prof. Khanindra Pathak, Dean of Infrastructure, graced the occasion and suggested some future steps in order to know the tradition of Vaada and Samvada, a method of finding the truth through dialogues. Shri Rajeev Rawat, Senior Officer, Rajabhasha Vibhag also emphasized identifying the root cause of problems and taking firm steps to solve them. Mr. Krishna Kumar, a Research Scholar of IKS brought divinity to the program by reciting stotras. Kumari Pranamya Bhat and Kumari Hridya added a mystical charm to the occasion by singing Sanskrit songs.

The second day saw a programme which was organized in the Brahmagupta Hall (V3) in Vikramashila building of IITKGP. More than 80 students  participated in this awareness program where Dr. Dipesh Katira, Assistant Professor of the Centre of IKS, explained the purpose and importance of the Sanskrit week.  As we know, Krishna Tirtha is credited with the discovery of 16 mathematical formulae that were part of the Parishishta which is an appendix of the Atharva Veda. Tirtha’s simple formulae make intricate mathematical calculations possible. Dr. Mahesh K, Assistant Professor of the Centre of IKS, gave a glimpse of Mathematical study in Sanskrit.

Prof. Joy Sen, the Chairperson of IKS addressed the students on the topic of Sanskrit and Indian Culture on the third day. He laid a special emphasis on civilizational ethos which is the democratic spirit, including respect for rule of law and pluralistic ethos that is ingrained in Indians and also carried by the Indian diaspora who contribute to the economic well-being and social harmony of their country. More than 400 students were in the awe of exploring a different level of dimension through the lenses of this forgotten language, held in Aryabhata Hall (V1), Vikramashila building. The programm communed with an introduction by Dr. Mahesh on the importance of Sanskrit as a vehicle of Sanatana Culture.

On the fourth day, two programs were held. In the morning session which was held in Brahmagupta Hall (V1),  Dr. Dipesh introduced digital tools for learning Sanskrit to the students. Dr. Jayashri was the convener of the program. The students enthusiastically participated in the discussion. In the evening, Prof. Shankh Pratim Bhattacharya, Associate Professor in Dept. of Architecture and Regional Planning spoke about Sanskrit and Nirman Vidya, where he explained how Indian architects were capable of dealing with intricacies in the building with various artistic structures. Students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Shreyas and Arunabha Manna and others from the KGP fraternity participated and presented Gita Shlokas. Shri S C Das and Shri Haripad, Sanskrit Teachers from Kendriya Vidyalaya graced the programme with their presence.  Sri S C Das spoke about the eternal values that can be imbibed by learning Sanskrit.  Krishna Kumar, Research Scholar, CoEIKS was the host for the program.

On the fifth day, Dr. Jayashri spoke about the comprehension theories of language, as discussed by Indian grammarians. Prof. V. R. Desai spoke about ‘Vrksha Nakshatra’ which was held in Prof. S N Bose Auditorium of the institute.

Prof. Somesh Kumar, Department of Mathematics spoke on Samskrita and Ganita on the sixth day. He presented the contributions of Indian mathematicians such as Aryabhata, the first great astronomers of the classical age of India who discovered the astronomical and mathematical theories written in 499 AD and Bhaskaracarya, the leading mathematician of the 12th century, who wrote the first work with full and systematic use of the decimal number system etc., which mesmerized the audience. Mr. Shreyas from Kendriya Vidyalaya presented a Subhashita on the importance of Vidya and explained its meaning. Dr. Richa Chopra, Assistant Professor, CoEIKS spoke about the role of Sanskrit in keeping good mental health and boosting morale. The program commenced in the presence of  Prof. V. R. Desai and Prof. B N Singh, Professor, Aeronautical Engineering.

The seventh and the concluding day of the Sanskrit Week was celebrated with a wonderful cultural evening with Sanskrit and Music which was held in Prof. S. N. Bose auditorium in the presence of the IIT KGP fraternity comprising of authorities, professors, students of the institute, school children and campus residents. Prof. V. R. Desai presented the Nirvana Shatkam of Adi Shankaracharya with its holistic approach in the modern contemporary while the participants discussed about the future course of action in preserving the language and culture. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sreyas, Gauri Shukla, Rudra, Arunabha Manna and Pranamya Bhat captivated the audience by exhibiting their talents in Sanskrit. Prof. Joy Sen created a divine atmosphere by presenting beautiful Bhajans. The closing ceremony was overwhelmed by the presence of Prof. B N Singh, Prof. Somesh Kumar, Dr.Rajeev Rawat, Shri S C Das and Shri Haripad.

On the closing ceremony of the Sanskrit Week, Prof Joy Sen, Chairman, CoE-IKS remarked ,”Sanskrit, the most ‘perfected’ of language system, the Mother of all languages in the world, and a network of language syntax at the highest apex of the Indo-European language systems, awaits full revival and complete repositioning for complete recovery of Indian Knowledge Systems as it is certified as the most advanced language code with over 48 vowels-consonants, 8 cases and being most perfected in Natural Language Processing (NLP) system of computational sciences.”

Inputs from : Dr. Dipesh Vinod Katira, Assistant Professor, CoE-IKS, IIT Kharagpur
Email : dipesh@iks.iitkgp.ac.in

Edited by:- Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur; Twitter – @IITKgp;  Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
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Dr. Samir V. Kamat, an Alumnus of IIT Kharagpur named the next DRDO Chief

Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Growth is a very profound experience. We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. Well, this has been rather avouched by our Alumnus Dr. Samir V Kamat, whose sense of purpose evoked metamorphism in Defence applications for our country and led to the advanced development towards the service of the nation.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, an Alumnus of IIT Kharagpur has been appointed the Secretary of Department of Defence Research and Development (R&D) and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) by the Appointments Committee of the cabinet on August 25, 2022. Dr. Kamat has been conducting cutting-edge research and development on materials for various defence applications for the past three decades and has been bestowed the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Kharagpur for the year 2018. As a Distinguished Scientist and Director General, Naval Systems and Materials, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), he is posted at Visakhapatnam.

Dr. Kamat completed his B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering in 1985 from IIT Kharagpur and was a recipient of the Institute Silver Medal as department topper. A Ph.D from Ohio State University, USA in Materials Science and Engineering in 1988, he did his Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Washington State University, Pullman, USA. and joined the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO in 1989 as a Research Scientist. He was appointed the Outstanding Scientist & Director, DMRL, DRDO, Hyderabad in 2015 before taking up his current position at Visakhapatnam.

In his role, first as Director, DMRL, and now as Director General, Naval Systems and Materials, DRDO, Dr. Kamat has provided leadership and direction to several critical materials and naval systems programmes and has played a key role in enhancing the interaction of cluster laboratories with academic institutions as well as industry. He has taken steps to align the programmes of the cluster laboratories with the long-term integrated perspective plans of the Services.

“Appointment of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Distinguished Scientist and Director General, Naval Systems & Materials as Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO from the date of his assumption of charge till he attains the age of 60 years or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” said a statement from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Dr. Kamat’s contributions in the area of microstructure-mechanical property correlations in advanced materials, such as particulate reinforced metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, aluminium-lithium alloys, high strength aluminium alloys and titanium alloys, have led to their development for various defence applications. These include development of Samarium-Cobalt magnets for gyros used in guidance systems of missiles and BLDC motors used in torpedoes, DMR-1700 ultrahigh strength steel for rocket motor casings, titanium alloys for aeronautical applications and advanced functional materials such as piezoelectric, magnetoelectric and magnetic materials for sensor, actuator and energy harvesting devices.

Dr. Kamat has also been responsible for setting-up state-of-the-art experimental facilities at DMRL such as Thin Film Lab, Small Length Scale Mechanical Testing Lab and Stress Corrosion Cracking test facility. His work on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of ultrahigh strength 250 grade maraging and DMR 1700 steels has resulted in the development of a three-layer coating system for protection of these steels against SCC failure in marine environment. After generating significant contributions to the development of Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) Technology in DMRL, a MoU was initiated by him between DMRL, BARC, IREL and ARCI to launch a Mineral-to-Magnet programme that aims to make the country totally self-reliant in this critical REPM technology.

Dr. Kamat has been part of several committees of national importance and has contributed to the drafting of the National Strategic Materials Policy. Recipient of the DRDO Young Scientist of the Year award twice, he was awarded the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Smarak Award for Science in 2016.

Media Coverage :

The Hindu

Economic Times

Indian Express

Business Standard

Jagran

Amar Ujala

PSU Watch

ABP Majha

Good News Today

Orissa Diary

News on Air

One India

Kannada News

Siasat.com

Telugu Stop

Inputs from : Office of the Alumni, IIT Kharagpur
Email : anamika.das@adm.iitkgp.ac.in

Edited by:- Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

Follow us: Facebook – IIT Kharagpur; Twitter – @IITKgp;  Instagram – @iit.kgp; LinkedIn – Indian Institute of Technology
For news visit: https://kgpchronicle.iitkgp.ac.in/ 

The Fallen Star…

What’s with a fallen star?
Blazing past where loved ones are
Close to earth, searching far…

Closing eyes in heavenly prayer
For flames burn out in the shallow air
God lights the way where angels glow
With streaking stars of love that flow
Loved ones who completed your life
Reminiscence your memories to survive
God sends this message from a far
Down to earth, close to where you are
Worthy Warrior, fighting the battle for life
Praise the fortitude with every extra mile
Night stars will shine high
Bright streak will stream through the night sky
Good awaits you, for you said the toughest adieu
You bid him hello and the world a good bye.

– Poulami Mondal

Bidding adieu to Mr. Rajiv Sinha (ECE/69-74), an Alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, who left his heavenly abode on 28th August 2022. A B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur in Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering from the batch of 1969, he completed his MS in Computer Science from Columbia University, New York.

Mr. Rajiv Sinha
1974/BTech/ECE/NH

Mr. Sinha endorsed specialized skills in the domain of Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Distributed Systems, SAAS, Virtualization, LINUX, Scalability, Product Management, Application Security, Network Security, Agile Methodologies etc.  He worked in both large corporations and in startups  across United States of America. In 2004, he became the Vice President of Engineering, Networking and Analytics at Citrix Systems and along the way, he co-authored and published numerous patents which are testaments of his professional excellence in engineering. Before joining Citrix, he was Vice President of Engineering at Netli, Inc. in 2003 and NetScaler Inc from 1998-2002.  Prior to this, he was also Director, Software at Unisys for 6 years and Harris Computer Systems for 7 years respectively.

Mr. Rajiv Sinha has filed many patents including patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Using service graphics to compare performance of a plurality of versions of a microservice; System and methods for managing client requests to access services provided by a data center; Systems and methods for providing a single click access to enterprise, SaaS and cloud hosted application; systems and methods for providing a multi-core architecture for an acceleration appliance; Apparatus, method and computer program product for efficiently pooling connections between clients and servers; System and methods for accelerating delivery of a computing environment to a remote user; System and method for performing flash caching of dynamically generated objects in a data communication network; Systems and methods for application fluency policies etc. were some of his filed patents (see Rajiv Sinha Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications – Justia Patents Search)

Rajiv with his group in 2003

IN MEMORIAM

Looking back to the days they spent in IIT Kharagpur, Mr. Roy Da Silva (EE/74/RK) wrote – “Rajiv Sinha was my batch mate. We met as freshmen in IIT Kharagpur in 1969 and we graduated in 1974. Rajiv grew up in Rourkela and around other steel cities in India. He went to St. Xavier’s High School in Hazaribagh after which he joined IIT KGP in the ECE Department and was a resident of Nehru Hall. I grew up in Bombay and was in the EE Department and an RK-ite. We had a common friend Ravindra Nair, also in the ECE dept and an RK-ite who went to the same school as I did in Bombay . He was the one who was responsible for connecting us.

Ravi and I stayed in the same wing of the RK Hall (C-West Ground) during our freshmen year. Rajiv was Ravi’s lab partner who stopped by his room occasionally to “compare notes” (topo-ing describes it more precisely), and it was at one of these visits that I met Rajiv. This was the start of a friendship that lasts for more than 50 years and counting, between the 3 R’s… Ravi, Raji, & Roy. Ravi was awarded the Presidents Gold Medal and came to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for his Master’s. He then went to work for IBM and I did my Master’s in Business from Bombay and worked in India. Then I migrated to Silicon Valley in 1984. Rajiv had come to Columbia University and then started his first job at Harris in Florida. We had not been, in touch with each other during that time. I again reconnected with Rajiv in 2000. He had come to Silicon Valley from the east coast in 1990 and we quite accidentally discovered that we were neighbors, living just a mile away from each other. We met on a number of happy occasions; the most memorable being at a “Reunion of 1974 RK Hall Wing mates”, that took place at my house in 2003. Neither Rajiv nor Ravi was told that the other would be present at the same reunion and when they did meet face to face, it was totally an electrifying experience. Both were ecstatic to reconnect as they had not seen each other since 1974. We connected years later in Silicon Valley. All was well till about a year ago, when Rajiv was diagnosed with colon cancer which had already spread to his liver. Three different regimens of chemo that did not work led to him being placed on experimental drug treatments which was being administered in San Diego. I and Rajiv along with our spouses Viola and Savita, were supposed to have tea together in early September. But that was not to be. He took a turn for the worse and was admitted to the hospital and on August 28, 2022 Rajiv lost his battle with cancer and passed away.

Rajiv & Ravi in 2003

Arjun Malhotra and I have known each other since I was a freshman at IIT Kharagpur. Kiran, Arjun’s wife and Arjun are also friends with Rajiv and Savita. He encouraged me to write Rajiv’s obituary for publication in The KGPian. I felt that this tribute to Rajiv would be so much more meaningful if I could get some of his closest friends to say a few words, so I reached out to them to say a few words in his remembrance. On behalf of the entire KGP family, I take this opportunity to convey our deepest condolences and empathy to Rajiv’s mother, mother-in-law, his wife Savita and children Viraj and Nikita.

Rajiv with his family

“Rajiv, we will miss your intellect, humility, mischievous smile, and sense of humor that made you such great company. RIP my friend.”

  • From his lab partner and President’s Gold Medal recipient, Mr. Ravindra Nair (ECE/74/RK)

“Rajiv, a partner in most of my labs at IIT, will be remembered as an extremely intelligent person, articulate with his words, yet humble in his demeanor, generous with his ideas, and encouraging in his friendship. Oh! And I can’t forget that occasional mischievous humor that he often used to defuse a tense lab situation. Labs at IIT were notorious for being complex, but Rajiv made them fun!”

  • From the Nehru Hall Reporter which was made available by Mr. Manojit Sinha (CHE/74/NH)

“Rajiv was a fellow who helped in all literary activities without reservation, who was cool and unbiased in all his views, who stretched out a helping hand whenever the hall was in need, who kept his cool when others blew their tops, who felt the hall was his and he was part of the hall – what talent he has shown and may he put it to good use in his life.…….” 

  • From Venugopal, Rajiv’s wing mate (Che/74/NH)

    “Rajiv was one of the brightest guys I have met. Even at a young age he had a laser like focus. He was ever ready to give gyaan to anyone that wanted/needed it. Wise beyond his years, he had everybody’s respect.” 

  • From his Friend and Neighbor, Mr. Madhukar Jalan, IIT Bombay (CHE)

“I will remember Rajiv for his vast knowledge on multiple subjects, as a voracious reader, an absorbing storyteller, and a good listener. Above all he came across as a total gentleman and was a very caring friend. He will be sorely missed.”

Rajiv with Madhukar Jalan

In remembrance of the “Unforgettable Soul”, his Alma Mater mourns in sadness after hearing the news of his demise. Our sincere condolences to his bereaved family. May almighty give enough strength to his family to bear this irreplaceable loss. We pray for eternal peace of his departed soul. He will always be remembered in our thoughts, prayers and action.

Written by : Mr. Roy D. (da Silva), Alumnus, IIT Kharagpur (EE/74/RK)
Email: roydasilvaiit@yahoo.com

Edited by : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

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