• IIEST alumni donate 20L for smart classes, beautification of alma mater
    Times of India | 19 August 2025
  • Kolkata: Former students of the 1975 batch of BE College, now Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, have donated Rs 20 lakh for the beautification and landscaping of the approximately 1,500 sq m area called Bakultala in the flag-hoisting ground of the institute, and the establishment of smart classrooms. The alumni took this initiative on the occasion of the golden anniversary of their graduation.

    "Most members of the alumni group across the country and abroad came forward with voluntary donations that amounted to Rs 14 lakh. Director of Sur Iron and Steel Company, Jayanta Sur, who is our batchmate, contributed Rs 6 lakh from the company's CSR fund," said Nil Ratan Bandyopadhyay from the 1975 batch, also a former professor at the institute. He added that other batchmates are coming forward to contribute, which may result in more funds for their alma mater.

    Bandyopadhyay shared that ‘Bakultala' is a nostalgic place for the alumni as they spent precious time there between classes, interacting with friends, seniors, and juniors, and even solved critical scientific problems over cups of tea. "Bakultala holds a special place in every alumnus's heart, so we thought of the beautification and landscaping of the area so that it can be utilised as an interacting space for young minds, including students and faculty members. The restoration of Bakultala will also enhance its heritage value and environmental quality," Bandyopadhyay said.

    Out of Rs 20 lakh, around Rs 12 lakh-Rs 13 lakh will be spent on the infrastructure development of Bakultala, and the rest will be spent on establishing at least two smart classrooms in the new administrative building. "If we can contribute some more, then three smart classrooms can be developed," Bandyopadhyay shared.

    IIEST director VMSR Murthy expressed his appreciation for the gesture. "The amount shall be utilised prudently, keeping with the spirit and suggestion of the alumni group," he added.
  • Link to this news (Times of India)