IIT Bombay Celebrates 77th Republic Day with Patriotic Fervour
Mumbai |
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India with dignity, patriotic spirit, and enthusiastic participation from the campus community on Sunday at the Institute Gymkhana Ground.
The celebration commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, followed by a ceremonial salute by the IIT Bombay Security Staff and NCC cadets. The occasion was graced by Mr. Raj Nair, distinguished IIT Bombay alumnus and Chairman of Avalon Consulting, as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Shireesh Kedare extended warm Republic Day greetings to the IIT Bombay community. He congratulated Prof. Juzer Vasi, former Deputy Director and eminent academician, and Mr. Shashi Shekhar Vempati, IIT Bombay alumnus, on being conferred the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Prof. Kedare felicitated Prof. Vasi with a shawl and a potted plant on the occasion.
Reflecting on the role of educational institutions in a democracy, Prof. Kedare stated that learning must go beyond classrooms to foster awareness, collaboration, and shared responsibility. He emphasized that democracy thrives through participation, dialogue, and consensus in everyday life.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raj Nair highlighted the essence of the Republic as being governed by “We, the People.” He stressed that the strength of democracy lies not only in laws but in citizens who choose integrity, courage, and compassion. Emphasizing the importance of education in the age of artificial intelligence, he noted that teaching students how to think is far more critical than teaching them what to think, and called upon citizens to nurture republican values through their daily conduct.
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to winners of the Essay Writing Competition organized during Vigilance Awareness Week 2025. Security officers, guards, staff members, and NCC cadets were also felicitated for their dedicated service.
The celebrations featured vibrant cultural performances by students of Aman Day Care Centre, IIT Bombay Campus School, PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT Mumbai, IIT Bombay students, and NSS volunteers. A total of 360 students from Kendriya Vidyalaya and 358 students from the Campus School, along with their teachers, participated in the programme. The event concluded with a stirring rendition of “Vande Mataram”, sung by 30 IIT Bombay students.
More than 2,000 members of the IIT Bombay campus community attended the function, making the celebration a memorable tribute to the spirit of the Republic.
