New Delhi, 22nd October, 2024: BITS Pilani, a premier institution recognized for its innovation and excellence, has received contributions totaling $2 million from its alumni. Usha Kumar, an alumna from the batch of 1967, and Alok Kothari, a 1988 alumnus, have collectively contributed to the institute’s Endowment Fund. These contributions are earmarked for scholarships for girls, PhD fellowships, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Sustainability.
Usha Kumar, based in the UK, made history as the first female donor from BITS Pilani to contribute $1 million. Her contribution will support scholarships for girls and PhD fellowships. Alok Kothari, Founding Executive of the unicorn company Netskope Inc., also donated $1 million, which will be used to set up the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability. Both alumni contributions underscore the growing engagement of BITS Pilani’s global alumni network, with over $20 million in pledges and substantial fund transfers in recent years, positioning the institute among the top five in the country for alumni contributions.
Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “The alumni are solidly behind institute’s vision to be a research powerhouse and making BITS education accessible for all economically weaker students, especially girl students. We are taking all steps necessary for ensuring more female representation in Engineering programs, keeping our ‘merit only’ ethos intact. I am deeply grateful to both Ms. Usha Kumar & Dr. D. Srinivas, and Mr. Alok Kothari for wholeheartedly espousing and contributing to BITS Pilani’s Endowment Fund”.
Ms. Usha Kumar and her husband Dr. D. Srinivas said, “we hope our contribution will enable meritorious and needy children, especially girls to study at BITS Pilani and the institute will keep excelling in providing outstanding education to our youth”.
Mr. Alok Kothari, Founding Executive of Netskope Inc, said, “”Investing in a center of excellence for sustainability is not just about fostering innovative solutions; it’s about cultivating leaders who are committed to protecting our planet for future generations. I expect students and faculty at this center to explore sustainable practices and drive meaningful change within our communities and beyond. This initiative embodies the values of education, stewardship, and responsibility – hallmarks of BITS‘s legacy. I imagine the CoE to foster the culture of sustainability that inspires others to reimagine our relationship with the environment and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”
Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations, said “The connect that BITS alumni have with each other and the institution is quite strong. More and more alumni are now interested in ‘paying it forward’, inspiring their fellow BITSians to help propel the growth of the institute. Whenever alumni contribute, we feel a lot of pride and accept their gift with all humility and a renewed sense of purpose to give momentum to strategic thrust areas for growth.”