Hyderabad: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on Tuesday, at its Lecture Hall Complex, bringing together academicians, industry representatives, faculty, students, and staff to mark the occasion and reflect on the institute's growth.
The event was attended by Prakash Baba Amte, Medical Director of Lok Biradari Prakalp, Hemalkasa, who delivered the Foundation Day Lecture as the chief guest. In his address, he spoke about the importance of aligning technological progress with social responsibility, and highlighted the role of educational institutions in addressing real-world challenges and contributing to community development.
A key highlight of the programme was the announcement of 218 awards recognising achievements across academics, teaching, research, and institutional service. Students, faculty, and staff were acknowledged for their contributions, with additional endowment awards presented to students for academic excellence.
Speaking at the event, Prof. B.S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, reflected on the institute's 18-year journey and its focus on integrating research, innovation, and education. He noted that the institute continues to prioritise the development of future-ready talent while strengthening its research capabilities in emerging fields.
Over the years, IIT Hyderabad has established itself as a growing centre for interdisciplinary learning and research. The institute has been actively engaged in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, smart mobility, future communication technologies, and healthcare innovations. It has also expanded collaborations with global academic institutions and industry partners.
The celebration also highlighted key initiatives within the institute, including its academic framework and innovation ecosystem. Programmes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and supporting research translation were noted as important contributors to the institute's development.
As IIT Hyderabad moves forward, the institution aims to build on its existing strengths in research and innovation while adapting to evolving technological and educational needs. The Foundation Day served as an opportunity to review progress and outline future directions, with a continued focus on contributing to knowledge creation and skill development.