Mangaluru: National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) celebrated its 64th Foundation Day on 6 August at its Surathkal campus by paying homage to its founding father Shri Srinivasa Mallya. The new Director Prof. B. Ravi hoisted the Institute flag and garlanded the founder’s statue at the entrance gate. He recalled the remarkable life of Shri Mallya as a freedom fighter and later as the architect of modern Dakshina Kannada.
This included the construction of Karnataka Regional Engineering College or KREC (now NITK), New Mangalore Port, Bajpe Airport, Mangalore–Hassan–Bangalore Railway Line, Mumbai-Kochi and Mangalore-Bangalore highways, Ullal Bridge on Nethravathi and many other prominent works that propelled the district toward prosperity.
Faculty, staff and students of NITK gathered to reminisce institute’s glorious history and celebrated its achievements over the decades. Air Marshal B. U. Chengappa (retired), recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM), Vishist Seva Medal (VSM) and a distinguished alumnus of NITK (1969 graduate) was the chief guest. He unveiled a climbing wall called ‘Aarohan’ at the NCC unit in NITK campus to train cadets by officers led by Col. Anilesh Kaushik. Chengappa exhorted the students to explore defence adventure and leadership for an exciting and fulfilling life.
Other distinguished alumni who attended the event included the founder president of NITK Alumni Association (NITKAA) Yagnanarayana Kammaje, Managing Director of Sona Group of Industries, Bangalore and A.S. Karanth, Wind energy advocate, M. Niranjan, President of Bangalore chapter and others. They released the souvenir of the Global Convention of NITK.
About 27 campus children who achieved academic excellence were given certificates and scholarships. The Chief Guest and Director congratulated the children and their parents. They thanked the alumni for instituting the scholarships. During the event, 6 faculty and 11 staff members who completed 25 years of service to NITK were felicitated with an uttariya, certificate and memento.
In his address, the Director spoke about the rich legacy and good track record of NITK as an Institute of National Importance. The Institute should now embark on the journey from ‘good to great’ by involving all stakeholders. It can become a model institute by focusing on global excellence coupled with local relevance, leading to economic prosperity as well as social impact in a sustainable and equitable manner.
