Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has received its largest single donation ever of Rs 228 crore from its Distinguished Alumnus Awardee Dr. Krishna Chivukula. This generous donation is one of the largest ever made to an educational institution in India's history.
In recognition of this historic contribution, IIT Madras has named an academic block the 'Krishna Chivukula Block'.
The naming ceremony was held on August 6, 2024, attended by Dr. Krishna Chivukula, IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations Professor Mahesh Panchagnula, and other faculty, researchers, staff, and students.
The substantial donation will be utilized for multiple purposes, including supporting international students through scholarships, research excellence grants, an undergraduate fellowship program, a sports scholar program, and the development of the Shaastra Magazine. Additionally, funds will be allocated for the maintenance of the Krishna Chivukula Block and other activities.
Dr. Krishna Chivukula graduated from IIT Madras with an MTech in Aerospace Engineering in 1970 and received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1980.
He has had a distinguished career, founding two world-leading companies in succession: Shiva Technologies Inc. and Indo MIM Pvt Ltd.
He has also made significant strides in engineering manufacturing technology.
In 1997, he introduced the state-of-the-art Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology to India. His company, INDO US MIM Tec, now leads the world in MIM technology in terms of capacity and sales, with a projected turnover of nearly Rs 1,000 crore.
Professor V Kamakoti expressed profound gratitude, stating, "That our alumnus still remembers his Alma Mater after several decades reinforces the fact that education is the only immortal wealth that we can give to mankind. Grateful to Shri Krishna Chivukula for his big contribution, which will benefit several future generations of students in their pursuit of knowledge."
Professor Mahesh Panchagnula lauded Dr. Chivukula's generosity, "Dr. Krishna Chivukula is not just a successful techno-businessperson but also an ideal alumnus. His humility and generosity will stand as exemplar characteristics for generations of alumni."
Kaviraj Nair, CEO of the Office of Institutional Advancement, IIT Madras, added, "We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Krishna Chivukula, an esteemed alumnus of IIT Madras, for his extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to our institution."
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Chivukula shared, "I have been in America for 55 years. There, rich people donate crores for the development of the universities they study in. These funds are used for research by students. Coming from a poor family, IITs gave me an excellent education. I studied M.Tech at IIT Chennai at 12.50 rupees. I have donated Rs 5.10 crore earlier. One morning I suddenly thought of giving funds uniquely by keeping my share and its value in my company. Now I have given more funds.”
Dr. Chivukula and his wife Dr Jagadamba, are also committed to social causes, providing midday meals to 2,500 children in Bengaluru and supporting a Christian hospital.
