…as IIT Kharagpur closes in on 60 years of existence. The Scholars’ Avenue spoke to Prof. B.K. Mathur, Dean of Planning and Coordination and Head, Information Cell, to provide readers with a preview of what we might be seeing on campus next year.he said.
Plans for the opening ceremony
While each year certain occasions special to the Institute are conducted on a befitting level, we can expect to see them take place on a different level next time. The Convocation is planned to be held on the Foundation Day, 18th of August, with possibly the PM as the Chief Guest.
The evening of 17th is when it is proposed that former Directors, Deputy Directors and Chairmen of the BOG will be invited and honoured, acknowledging their hard work and vision for the institute. Prof. Mathur also proposes that some ‘tempo building program’ such as a quiz or debate be held to make the guests feel at ease and involved. He is also looking for a script for a 15-20 minute light and sound show with the idea of depicting the history of Kgp via lasers projected on smokescreens.
Some of what else is in store
- Special posts, covers, envelopes and cancellations will be available for a day. One can send posts using this stationery via a special post stand. These will later go into a postal museum.
- An exhibition train will be launched on the 18th which will visit 50 destinations around the country in a span of 3 months. It will showcase the IIT system of education. We’re still in talks with the Ministry of Railways regarding this.
- Special conferences and symposia will be held around the year. Prof. Mathur’s idea is that all of them use similar themed stationary and similar bags. Mementos bearing the 60 years’ celebrations logo will be given to all guests.
- Speakers- including Nobel Laureates- are being invited for talks. This list of speakers will be available before the end of this session.
- Different subcommittees are in charge of overseeing various events. There’s a publication committee, which will be bringing out monthly volumes highlighting aspects of the institute history. Department specific committees will be bringing out monographs highlighting department achievements and 60 years’ worth of research.The Inter-IIT itself is being handled by the Gymkhana.
The Diamond Jubilee calendar is up on the internal notice board is being updated regularly. There’s more yet come. Expect a detailed report from our side next July.
