National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) is set to mark a significant milestone with the celebration of its 64th Institute Foundation Day on Sunday, September 1, 2024. This annual event, commemorating the institute's establishment as Calicut Regional Engineering College (CREC) on September 1, 1961, will highlight NITC's commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation. 

Distinguished Guests and Speakers

Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NITC, will preside over the event, underscoring the institute’s ongoing commitment to honouring its legacy while looking toward the future. The celebration will feature prominent guests, including Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Chairman of ISKCON, Bangalore, who will serve as the chief guest. Shri Dasa will deliver Prof. Kesava Rao Memorial Lecture, in memory of the founder principal of the Insttitute in 1961. Mr. Ravi Raghavan, Managing Director of Bharat Fritz Werner Ltd, will join as the guest of honour and give an invited talk, sharing his insights and experiences. 

Dr. G K Rajanikant, Chairperson of the Centre for Public Relations, Information, and Media Exchange (C-PRIME), will deliver the welcome address and Dr. M K Ravi Varma, Dean of International, Alumni, and Corporate Relations (IACR), will express gratitude with a vote of thanks.

Distinguished Alumni Award 2024

Highlighting the event is the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) 2024, NITC's highest honour bestowed upon alumni for their outstanding achievements and contributions. These awards recognize alumni who have excelled in various fields, demonstrating the impact of their education and the values imparted by NITC. The rigorous selection process involved multiple stages, overseen by NITC Deans and esteemed external experts from industry, academia, and public service.

The 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Awardees are:

1. Shri J A Kamalakar, Director ISRO / Honorary Adviser ISRO [Technology Innovation Excellence]

2. Shri Roshan V. Joseph, A. Russell Chandler III Chair Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology [Academic Excellence]  

3. Shri Milind Lakkad, Executive Vice President & CHRO, Tata Consultancy Services [Managerial Excellence]  

4. Shri Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman & Managing Director, Ananth Technologies [Entrepreneurial Excellence]  

5. Shri Hari Shankar, IPS Officer, SP Cyber Operations, Kerala Police [Excellence in Public Services and Other Walks of Life]

6. Smt. Usha P Verma, Outstanding Scientist & Associate Director, ASL, DRDO [Excellence in Institutional Development and Alma Mater Services]

7. Shri Saurabh Sinha, Founder & Chairman, EMIDS [Excellence in Institutional Development and Alma Mater Services]

8. Shri Nidhin Valsan, IPS Officer, DCP, Delhi Police [Emerging Alumni Leader Award]  

Showcasing Innovation: SKYLIGHT 24 Exhibition

As part of the Foundation Day festivities, NITC will host 'SKYLIGHT 24,' an exhibition showcasing innovations and research activities from 15 academic departments and 17 multi-disciplinary centres. The exhibition, starting at 9 a.m., will provide a platform for departments to display their research strengths and achievements, highlighting NITC’s role as a leader in academic research and technological advancement.

Best Teacher Award:

The institute is introducing the best teacher award in three categories from this year. The awards will be presented to the best Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor. The institute will also introduce the Best Researcher award from this year.

Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present

In a gesture of gratitude and respect, NITC will honour retired employees aged 85 and above, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the institution's growth and success. 

Additional Highlights

The celebration will also include the felicitation of employees who have completed 25 years of service at NITC between September 2023 and August 2024. In addition, proficiency awards will be presented to the children of employees, recognizing their academic achievements. The event will also feature the release of the 64th Institute Foundation Day Edition of ‘Sambhashanam’, NITC’s official communique.

Cultural Evening and Organizers

To conclude the day’s celebrations, a cultural evening will be held, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the NITC community. The events will take place at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium on the West Campus and are organized by the Centre for Public Relations, Information, and Media Exchange (C-PRIME), in collaboration with the Office of the Dean (International, Alumni, and Corporate Relations).

This Foundation Day celebration not only honours the past achievements of NITC but also sets the stage for continued excellence in education, research, and service to society.

Participants in the Press Meet conducted on 27th August at Calicut Press Club:

1. Prof. G K Rajanikant, Chairperson, C-PRIME, NITC

2. Prof. M K Ravi Varma, Dean (IACR), NITC

3. Dr. Arun F. Adrakatti, C-PRIME, NITC

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