IIT Madras Receives Rs 228 Crore Donation from Alumnus Dr. Krishna Chivukula

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has been the beneficiary of a monumental donation amounting to Rs 228 crore from Dr. Krishna Chivukula, an esteemed alumnus who embarked on his MTech in aerospace engineering at the institute in 1970. This substantial contribution stands as one of the largest ever made to an educational institution in India.

In acknowledgment of this significant donation, IIT Madras has named an academic block as the Krishna Chivukula Block. The funds will be utilized to support a variety of initiatives including:

• Scholarships for international students
• A research excellence grant programme
• An undergraduate fellowship programme for new students
• A sports scholar programme
• Development of the Shaastra magazine
• Maintenance of the Krishna Chivukula Block

The 2023-24 period has been a record-breaking year for IIT Madras in terms of fundraising. The institute raised a total of Rs 513 crore, marking a 135 percent increase from the previous financial year. This impressive sum was sourced from alumni, individual philanthropists, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and grants from both Indian and multinational corporations.

Notably, alumni contributions alone accounted for Rs 367 crore, reflecting a remarkable 282 percent increase from the previous year. Among these contributions, 48 donors gave over Rs 1 crore each, including 16 alumni and 32 corporate partners.

Dr. Krishna Chivukula's generous donation is poised to have a lasting impact on IIT Madras. The scholarship funds will enhance support for international students, and the research excellence grant programme will significantly bolster the institute's research capabilities. The undergraduate fellowship programme will benefit incoming students, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel.

Additionally, the donation will support athletic talent through a sports scholar programme and contribute to the development of Shaastra magazine. The upkeep of the newly named Krishna Chivukula Block will also be covered by these funds.

This substantial contribution underscores the robust bond between IIT Madras and its alumni network. It highlights the critical role that former students play in advancing the mission and vision of their alma mater. The record-breaking fundraising efforts during 2023-24 demonstrate IIT Madras's ability to attract significant financial support from diverse sources, further propelling the institute towards greater achievements in education and research.

Dr. Krishna Chivukula's establishment of INDO US MIM Tec exemplifies his commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in technology and engineering fields. His donation sets a precedent for future philanthropic efforts towards educational institutions in India, showcasing the profound impact alumni contributions can have in shaping the future of higher education.