Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai

Greetings from the Institute of Chemical Technology. This year, the Fourth Convocation function of ICT was held on Monday, February 16, 2014 where Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Chancellor of the Institute accorded D.Sc. (Hon.Causa) on Shri Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Ltd. and Professor George Whitesides of Harvard University. The Pidilite Multipurpose Pavilion was inaugurated before the Convocation through generous donation of Rs. 1 crore under CSR. The institute showcased its technological inputs by bringing out fantastic publications of Annual Report, Intellectual Rights and Technologies profile. In all 240 Bachelors, 229 Masters, 8 Post Graduate Diploma in Chemical Technology Management and 81 Doctorale students were awarded degrees. This is a record for the Institute. Shri Ambani had refused honorary doctorates earlier but was delighted to get his first D.Sc. from his Alma Mater. Several distinguished alumni, industrialists and parents of the students participated in the function.

If you glance through the pages of history of technological advancement of modern India, the ICT stands out as the best example for others to emulate. We have been trying to reach all our graduates and associates, teachers and well wishers to join us in the process of institute building so that the ICT converts itself as a world class university. We cannot do it without you. All leading universities in the Western World are great because their alumni care for them, participate in their activities, advise them on every front and are their torch bearers. We need to create a brand of our own and it is here that you are needed. Try to reach out to your classmates and acquaintances from the ICT and create an occasion to visit the Alma Mater – let that be reunion of your class; decennial, silver, golden or any other milestone you deem it fit to gather. Bring your family to the ICT and show how your destiny was changed by the portal of excellence. Not only you become a Life Member but also pledge annual support to the institute and mentor some of the young students and faculty, if you could afford to do. Our doors are always open- indeed there are no door literally.

Can you pledge an annual donation AT LEAST of Rs. 5000 (five thousand) to the ICT, which will go a long way in building the ICT Foundation. However, those of you cannot afford it are free to choose a lesser amount. No donation is small and no donation is big. This is 100% tax deductible. March 31 is approaching fast. Please write your cheque in the name of ‘Institute of Chemical Technology’ and send it across to my office. Those in the USA can approach Mr. Vasu Sodhani in Houston (vasu@ilaandi.com) and get a tax benefit also. If you could afford to donate more, it is most welcome. Please forward my email to our friends and alumni.

I am also happy that we have defended our case for 200% IT benefit for donation to research and a decision is expected soon.

With best regards,
Yours sincerely,