The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) will commemorate its 65th Foundation Day on November 2nd, 2024, with Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressing the esteemed audience and students as the Chief Guest.

Shri Rajnath Singh, a distinguished political leader and a key architect of India’s defence policies, has played an instrumental role in modernizing the Indian Armed Forces and strengthening national security. With decades of experience in governance and public service, Shri Rajnath Singh’s leadership continues to shape the strategic direction of the nation. His visit to IIT Kanpur on this momentous occasion will be a source of inspiration for the students and the broader academic community.

Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) at IIT Kanpur, will grace the occasion as the guest of honour, enhancing the importance of this event while sharing his insights with the students.

Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director IIT Kanpur, said, “The 65th Foundation Day is a significant milestone in IIT Kanpur's journey of academic excellence with a focus on research and innovation. We are pleased to welcome Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on this memorable day. His presence not only inspires us all but also reinforces our commitment to contribute to the nation's growth and technological advancement. This day is a celebration of our alumni's outstanding achievements and the collective efforts of our faculty, students, and staff. We look forward to continuing our legacy of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring excellence in education at the institute.”

On the occasion of the 65th Foundation Day, IIT Kanpur will honour 18 alumni with prestigious awards. These include the Distinguished Alumnus Awards, recognizing alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields; the Distinguished Service Awards, celebrating those who have significantly contributed to the institute’s growth and mission; the Young Alumnus Awards, acknowledging alumni for their remarkable achievements in the early stages of their career, The Institute will extend three Institute Fellows Awards to recognize and honour the faculty members who have eminently contributed to the overall growth of the Institute. These awards reflect the excellence and values fostered by IIT Kanpur.