Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 12: In commemoration of 60 years of fruitful existence, NITK celebrated its diamond jubilee year during the period August 6, 2019 – August 5. It was planned for the closing ceremony of the diamond jubilee year celebration on August 6 which coincides with the 61st Foundation Day of the institute. Given the importance attached to the alumni, it was a collective desire of Team-NITK to host five alumni meets to honour alumni achievers grouped into every decade of the graduation namely, 1965-79, 1980-89, 1990-99, 2000-09, and 2010-19. The first alumni meet was organized on August 6, 2019, the 60th Foundation Day, inviting alumni who graduated from 1965 to 1979. The remaining four alumni meets were scheduled to be held on August 5. But due to the situation arising out of COVID-19, the closing ceremony of NITK diamond jubilee year is planned to be organized a day before the next convocation of the institute. Considering this development, the four alumni meets were scheduled on August 9 at 10 am through the web meeting platform.
The alumni meet had a major objective of identifying the alumni serving in industry/research organizations/government services across the globe and felicitate them conferring the 'Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award' on the eve of the diamond jubilee year. The institute invited nominations for the Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award through the online registration process, seconded by other alumni and recommendations from the alumni association. There was an exercise of evaluating nominees from each graduation awarding department through respective department-level committees. Accordingly, 38 alumni were shortlisted for the Distinguished Alumnus Awards. On this momentous occasion, the 'Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna' awards were conferred to 38 alumni who graduated from 1980 to 2019.
Addressing the alumni, director Professor Rao, said, “You’re the ambassadors of NITK brand. Stay connected to the alma mater. NITK is open every day for new challenges; the same determination of 1960 is continued to date. Through your participation, the vision and mission of the institute need to be carried forward”.
NITK has become one of the greatest institutions by climbing up every year to new heights in the NIRF rankings. Phenomenal contribution of alumni in providing placements, internships and their constant support helped the institution to reach greater heights.
This event started with the greeting and introduction to the award ceremony by Professor K P Vittal, dean (AA & IR). Following this was the welcome address by Professor K U M Rao, director, NITK, and presidential address by Professor K Balaveera Reddy, chairman, BOG. In total, thirty-eight alumni serving in industry, research organizations and educational institutions were invited and felicitated conferring the 'Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award' through the web meeting platform. The event was live cast on YouTube to facilitate the participation of faculty, staff, students, alumni and well-wishers of the institute.