The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has announced the launch of the ‘Jay Pullur Neuroscience Initiative’ in memory of alumnus late Mr. Jay Pullur. The initiative was launched in a ceremony held at IIT Kanpur’s Outreach Auditorium on July 21, 2023. The aim of this initiative is to promote cutting-edge neuroscience research by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that will bring together neuroscience-related research activities between the departments of Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Cognitive Science, and the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences & Technology.

Supported through the generous contribution of Rs. 5 Cr. by Mrs. Nirmala Jay Pullur, wife of late Mr. Jay Pullur, the ‘Jay Pullur Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Laboratory’ in the Cognitive Science Department and ‘Jay Pullur Reading Room’ at the PK Kelkar Library were inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Pullur, accompanied by Mr. Vijay Pullur, brother and business partner of late Mr. Jay Pullur, and other family members. The laboratory will work in the domain of Brain Mapping and Stimulation, and the Reading Room will house new furniture and systems. Part of the endowment fund will also seed and nurture neuroscience research through lecture series, student scholarships and provide travel grants to students pursuing their research. This will enhance the scope of research and learning for neuroscience students and research scholars.

On the launch of the initiatives, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IITK, said, “With the establishment of the ‘Jay Pullur Neuroscience Initiative,' we embark on a transformative journey in neuroscience research at IIT Kanpur. This noble endeavor, made possible by the generous contribution from Mrs. Nirmala Jay Pullur, will not only propel our institution to the forefront of scientific excellence but also honor the indelible mark left by our alumnus Lt. Mr. Jay Pullur in the field of science and technology. A significant portion of the contribution has enabled the upgradation of the PK Kelkar Library with the renovation of the reading room as the ‘Jay Pullur Reading Room’. This will offer the students more comfort and ease at accessing the library facilities. We thank the Pullur family for their unwavering support in ensuring that Lt. Mr. Pullur's remarkable legacy lives on at his alma mater for the coming generations.”

Expressing her delight at the launch of the initiatives at IIT Kanpur, Mrs. Nirmala Jay Pullur said, “It is very heartening to see the initiatives taken by IIT Kanpur in the field of neuroscience. Mr. Jay Pullur’s desire to put India on the global map of excellence in science & technology will be furthered through this initiative. Every student and faculty who benefit from his benevolence becomes a part of his enduring story, and I am immensely proud to see his memory etched into the fabric of this esteemed institution, inspiring generations to come.”

Expressing his gratitude, Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources & Alumni, said, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to late Mr. Jay Pullur and Mrs. Nirmala Jay Pullur for their generous and invaluable contribution. This critical support will impact our endeavours, enabling us to take significant strides and make critical contributions in the field of neuroscience at IIT Kanpur. Part of the contribution has also helped in upgrading the reading room with new furniture and systems, which has now been named the ‘Jay Pullur Reading Room’ at the P.K. Kelkar Library. I thank the entire family for their generosity.”

Late Mr. Jay Pullur graduated in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore and did his M.Tech from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering in 1987 from IIT Kanpur. He is revered for the legacy he left behind in India’s IT industry. He founded Pramati Technologies with his brother Vijay Pullur in Hyderabad in 1998, and was responsible for its vision, strategy, and team building. His vast array of experiences cater to other IT organizations in Hyderabad like, HYSEA, TiE Chapter, Nasscom Chapter, etc. With 25 years of active service in the software industry, he was responsible for building several new products for the technology market.

With the launch of the 'Jay Pullur Neuroscience Initiative', IIT Kanpur will take stride in broadening the scope of research and output for students of neuroscience.