New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, has received its first anonymous donation of Rs 160 billion. The check came from an alumnus who wanted to keep his donation confidential.

Anonymous Donation Of Rs 160 Billion Dropped At IIT Bombay’s Door

IITB director Subhasis Chaudhuri drew parallels with temples where people deposit generous donations into a hundi, reported TOI.

“This is the first time we have received anonymous donations. In fact, while this is common in the United States, I do not think there are any universities in India that receive private donations whose donors wish to remain anonymous. Donors know that when they give money to IITB, that money will be used effectively and for the right purpose,” Chaudhuri said, quoted TOI.

This donation comes at a time when the school is affected by budget cuts and has to borrow money from the Higher Education Finance Authority (HEFA) to expand operations.

Donation To Be Used For Research And Building Infrastructure 

The money raised will be used to establish a Green Energy and Sustainable Development (GESR) research center on campus. Some of that will be used to build new infrastructure and much of it will be devoted to research.

The GESR cluster will facilitate research in key areas including battery technology, solar photovoltaics, biofuels, clean air science, flood forecasting and carbon capture. The campus’ green hub will provide industry-relevant training and strengthen partnerships with universities and global companies.

Professor Chaudhuri said the aim is to provide practical and transformative solutions while promoting entrepreneurship in the field of green and sustainable energy.

Housed in a state-of-the-art academic building on the IIT Bombay campus, the focus will be on climate risk assessment, development of effective mitigation strategies, climate change adaptation and comprehensive environmental monitoring.