Aashiyana Hall

Supported by
Prof. Tapan Baghchi

Some places on a campus become special over time. They are not just buildings, but spaces where people meet, talk, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Aashiyana is one such place at IIT Kanpur. Built in 2015 with the generous support of Prof. Tapan Baghchi.

From small informal gatherings to special celebrations, Aashiyana has become a regular part of campus life. It was thoughtfully envisioned and beautifully designed. This air-conditioned hall was created to give the campus community a warm, comfortable, and welcoming place to come together. Today, it serves more than 10,000 residents and continues to bring people closer through shared experiences and everyday interactions.

2015 Year Established

10,000+ Campus Residents Served

∞ Memories Created

Prof. Tapan Baghchi's association with IIT Kanpur spans several decades, beginning with his undergraduate education in Mechanical Engineering in 1967. After building a distinguished academic career, he returned to his alma mater in 1987 as a faculty member in the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, where he contributed to teaching and research until his retirement in 2007.

To understand the spirit behind Aashiyana, we spoke with Prof. Baghchi about his early inspirations, the idea behind the hall, and his hopes for the IIT Kanpur community.

In Conversation with Prof. Tapan Baghchi

On his early journey into engineering

Prof. Baghchi recalls growing up in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) and appearing for the Joint Entrance Examination in 1967, where he secured an All India Rank of 52 in his very first attempt.

Two incidents left a deep impression on my young mind. Seeing a miniature model of a wooden building, an engineer was constructing, and later watching engines in motion at an industrial exhibition in Delhi - steam turning into motion, and radio waves producing sound. These experiences sparked a curiosity that never faded. That's when I realized: I wanted to be an engineer someone who turns imagination into reality.

That early curiosity became the foundation of a lifelong journey in engineering, teaching, and mentorship.

The idea behind Aashiyana

The concept of Aashiyana emerged from a simple yet powerful observation.

Our campus lacked a warm and comfortable space where people could meet informally. Having seen similar spaces at international campuses, I felt IIT Kanpur needed a 'home' - a place for genuine human interaction away from noise and daily rush.

The hall was envisioned as a meeting place where faculty, staff, and students could come together, share conversations, and build connections beyond professional boundaries. Even its name, Aashiyana, meaning home, reflects this sentiment.

Earlier, the Shopping Centre was the only social spot on campus. Today, I'm proud that Aashiyana stands exactly as we envisioned - a space of comfort and community.

On how alumni can contribute

For Prof. Baghchi, giving back goes beyond financial support.

The most meaningful way for alumni to contribute is through active engagement. Visiting the campus, interacting with students, and understanding the environment firsthand helps identify where support can make the greatest impact."

He encourages alumni to connect deeply with the institute and direct their contributions toward initiatives that strengthen the overall campus experience.

Thoughts on campus healthcare

While appreciating the growth of academic and sports infrastructure, Prof. Baghchi also highlights an important concern - healthcare.

For a campus as large and advanced as IIT Kanpur, there is great potential to further strengthen and expand its medical services. We already have excellent playgrounds and facilities, and with continued focus, healthcare too can grow to match this progress.

Good health services are not just a necessity; they are a responsibility toward the entire campus community.

A message for today's students

His advice to students is simple yet profound:

Stay curious. Don't just chase grades - learn to observe, question, and create. Engineering is not just about machines;it's about mindset - thinking deeply and solving meaningfully.

With Heartfelt Thanks

IIT Kanpur expresses its deepest appreciation to Prof. Tapan Baghchi for his thoughtful and enduring contribution. Because of his generosity, generations of the campus community will continue to experience warmth, connection, and togetherness at Aashiyana.