In a significant boost to its institutional development, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has received a generous donation of $1 million (Rs 8.40 crore) from alumni couple Ravinder Kumar Bhat and Sumita Desarkar. The alumni couple, who have a deep-rooted connection with the institution, pledged their donation under the ‘Sumita Desarkar and Ravinder K. Bhat Fund for Institutional Development.’ Their contribution aims to improve infrastructure, upgrade laboratories, and support research initiatives across BITS Pilani’s campuses.
The couple’s generous donation adds to BITS Pilani’s ever-growing endowment fund, pushing the total to over $18 million. This donation, which aligns with the institution’s larger goal of raising $100 million, further strengthens its capacity to foster innovation and maintain its status as a premier educational institution in India.
A Legacy of Success and Giving Back
Both Ravinder Kumar Bhat and Sumita Desarkar have a rich history with BITS Pilani. Bhat, a member of the 1978 batch, and Desarkar, from the 1981 batch, have leveraged the education and experiences they gained at BITS Pilani to build successful careers in the UAE. Over the past two decades, they have established businesses spanning various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, commodity trading, oil and gas equipment, and event management.
Their journey as serial entrepreneurs serves as a shining example of how a solid educational foundation can propel personal and professional success. In a statement, the couple reflected on their deep connection to BITS Pilani: “BITS Pilani has profoundly shaped our personal and professional journeys not only through its world-class educators and instilling a strong work ethic, but also through the network which we developed and still strongly maintain.”
Their commitment to giving back to the institution that played a critical role in their lives is evident through their philanthropic efforts. Their desire to support the next generation of students and faculty is driven by a sense of gratitude and a vision to further enhance the educational experience at BITS Pilani.
The Impact of the $1 Million Donation
The $1 million contribution by Bhat and Desarkar is earmarked for a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering institutional growth. These initiatives include the upgrading of laboratories, enhancing campus infrastructure, and bolstering research initiatives. The donation is designed to improve the educational experience of students across BITS Pilani’s multiple campuses and help the institution remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global education landscape.
Laboratory upgrades, in particular, will give students access to cutting-edge technology and tools, allowing them to engage in hands-on learning and research. This will not only improve their academic performance but also provide them with the skills they need to excel in a highly competitive job market.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the funds will be used to support faculty research. Increased funding for research projects will allow BITS Pilani to attract top-tier talent in both faculty and students, further cementing the institution’s reputation as a leader in education and innovation.
Alumni Contributions Fueling Growth
The donation by Bhat and Desarkar is part of a larger trend of alumni giving back to BITS Pilani. Over the years, alumni contributions have played a crucial role in the institution’s growth, enabling it to build world-class facilities, attract top faculty, and develop programs that meet the evolving needs of the global workforce.
The BITS Pilani Endowment Fund, which now exceeds $18 million, is a testament to the strong bond between the institution and its alumni network. The long-term goal of the endowment is to raise $100 million, which will allow BITS Pilani to continue its growth trajectory and solidify its standing as a global leader in higher education.
Enhancing the Student Experience
With the funds from this donation, BITS Pilani is set to improve the overall student experience. The upgraded laboratories and enhanced infrastructure will provide students with an optimal environment for learning, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their studies and research. The donation will also enable the institution to develop new programs and initiatives that align with global educational trends.
For students, the impact of these improvements will be far-reaching. By gaining access to better resources and learning environments, they will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern workforce. The skills and knowledge they acquire will make them more competitive in the global job market, opening doors to new career opportunities.
The $1 million donation by alumni couple Ravinder Kumar Bhat and Sumita Desarkar is a significant step forward in BITS Pilani’s journey toward institutional excellence. Their contribution, which supports the institute’s goal of raising $100 million through its endowment fund, will have a lasting impact on infrastructure, research, and the overall educational experience for students. As BITS Pilani continues to grow and evolve, alumni contributions like this one will play a crucial role in shaping its future. Through their generosity, Bhat and Desarkar are not only giving back to their alma mater but also investing in the future of education in India.
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