IIT-Bombay gets $3 million gift

More than 40 years ago a quiet student named Victor Menezes graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B). HT reports.

More than 40 years ago a quiet student named Victor Menezes graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B). He went on to become, among other things, the senior vice-chairperson of Citigroup Inc. His “small way to say thank you” to the institute has translated into a $3 million (about Rs 13.5 crore) towards a state-of-the-art convention centre on the institute’s Powai campus which will be inaugurated by Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal on January 8.

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“I received priceless education from IIT Bombay and this is a small way to say thank you”, said Menezes. “I hope the centre will help support the exchange of ideas at IIT Bombay.”

The Victor Menezes Convention Centre hosts a well-equipped auditorium with a capacity of 380 people, 16 lecture halls, VIP lounge and conference hall. The entire construction cost Rs 40 crore and is part of the infrastructure improvement plan on campus.

Inauguration apart , Saturday will also be the 40th reunion of the class of 1970, of which Menezes is a part. “The centre is receiving booking requests for conferences and workshops. We are proud of alumni such as Victor Menezes, whose achievements have enhanced the reputation of IIT-B,” said Devang Khakhar, director of IIT-B.