IIT Kharagpur Director on branding of premier tech institutes

In a recent virtual meeting with alumni, IIT Kharagpur Director V K Tewari emphasized the importance of branding for the premier tech institution. Tewari not only aims to fulfill President Droupadi Murmu’s call to position IIT KGP among the top 50 higher educational institutions in the world, but he also sets a more ambitious goal of being within the top 10 by 2030. This article delves into Tewari’s vision for IIT Kharagpur’s branding and highlights the steps the institute is taking to achieve global recognition.

The Need for Branding and Involving Students

Tewari firmly believes in the power of branding to establish IIT Kharagpur as a world-leading educational institution. He acknowledges the need to work on the institute’s limitations and areas of improvement. He emphasizes the involvement of students in a more cohesive manner to create a stronger brand presence. By engaging students actively, IIT Kharagpur aims to cultivate a sense of pride and ownership, ensuring that they become active contributors to the institute’s branding efforts.

Thinking Big and Targeting the Top 10

To achieve the desired global recognition, Tewari envisions thinking big and taking strong steps. He draws inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and aims to align IIT Kharagpur’s goals with this vision. While President Droupadi Murmu set the initial target of positioning IIT KGP among the top 50 institutions, Tewari sets a more ambitious goal of being within the top 10 higher educational institutions in the world. This demonstrates the institute’s commitment to excellence and its determination to make a significant impact on the global stage.

Progress and Rankings

IIT Kharagpur has already made substantial progress in terms of recognition and rankings. In the QS Asia World University Ranking for 2024, the institute secured the overall fifth rank in India and 59th in Asia. Additionally, IIT Kharagpur attained the top spot in the QS Asia University rankings with an impressive overall score of 54.5. These achievements serve as a testament to the institute’s unwavering dedication and continuous efforts to improve its standing in the global education landscape.

Academia-Industry Collaborations and Partnerships

Tewari emphasizes the importance of academia-industry collaborations to enhance IIT Kharagpur’s branding and improve its global standing. He believes that by working closely with faculties, alumni, and front-ranking world universities, the institute can unlock the potential for more fruitful collaborations. Tewari mentions the establishment of the Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) as an example of such collaboration. The DIA-CoE focuses on futuristic studies in high-end technology subjects, including artificial intelligence, safety analytics, and computational and data sciences. These collaborations not only contribute to branding but also provide students with valuable exposure to cutting-edge research and technology.

Center of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design

Tewari proudly announces that IIT Kharagpur has been officially designated as a Center of Excellence (CoE) in urban planning and design. This recognition is a result of the consistent dedication and notable work done by the institute’s faculty and students in the field. As part of this prestigious designation, the Center will receive a grant of Rs 250 crore for the development and training of India-specific knowledge in urban planning and design in the coming years. This funding will further strengthen IIT Kharagpur’s position and contribute to its branding as a leading institution in this specialized field.