BITS Pilani Receives $3 Million Boost from Alumni for Endowment Fund

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, recently received a generous donation of $3 million from its alumni network. This significant contribution will be directed towards the university's endowment fund, providing crucial long-term financial support for various academic and research endeavors.

The esteemed alumni who made this impactful contribution include Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi (batch of 1978), Sid Mookerji (batch of 1989), and Chaitanya Kalipatnapu (batch of 1998). Each alumnus pledged a commendable $1 million, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their alma mater.

Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi are well-known figures in the technology industry. They have a history of philanthropic endeavors, having previously donated $1 million to establish the Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (APPCAIR) at BITS Pilani in 2018. Their latest contribution further emphasizes their dedication to fostering innovation and academic excellence at the university.

Sid Mookerji, a recognized leader in retail innovation, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Silicon Road Ventures. The Mookerji Foundation, established by Sid and his wife Sophie Mookerji, has pledged $1 million to support the development of entrepreneurial initiatives at BITS Pilani. This contribution will specifically focus on expanding the PhD DRIVE (Deep-tech Research Innovation and Value Generation Entrepreneurship) program, nurturing the next generation of enterprising minds.

Chaitanya Kalipatnapu, the co-founder of the Eruditus Group, a prominent player in global professional education, has also pledged $1 million to the endowment fund. Kalipatnapu's impressive career journey includes prior roles at Sun Microsystems and INSEAD, where he served as President of the Alumni Association's India chapter. His contribution signifies the enduring impact that BITS Pilani has had on shaping successful individuals across diverse fields.

The collective generosity of these distinguished alumni will undoubtedly play a vital role in propelling BITS Pilani towards a brighter future. The endowment fund, bolstered by this $3 million contribution, will provide a sustainable source of funding for various initiatives, including scholarships for deserving students, faculty development programs, and cutting-edge research projects.

This act of philanthropy by BITS Pilani alumni sets a remarkable precedent for alumni engagement and highlights the enduring power of giving back to one's alma mater. It serves as a testament to the transformative impact that BITS Pilani has on its students, shaping them not only into accomplished professionals but also into individuals dedicated to contributing meaningfully to society.