IITKONNECT Newsletter

IITK Delegation Visits Canada

The IITKarvaan evening in Toronto was a heartwarming celebration of memories, milestones, and meaningful conversations. From shared laughter to thought-provoking discussions about the future of IIT Kanpur, the event reflected the strength and unity of our global alumni network. Mr. Pankaj Agrawal and Mr. Rahul Shukla put their exceptional efforts in organizing and curating a memorable evening for the community.

IIT Kanpur Hosts DoRA Open House

DoRA office at IIT Kanpur recently hosted a successful Open House, offering a deep dive into the growth and evolution of its programs, alumni engagement, and philanthropic efforts and explored how strategic partnerships, increased support, and ongoing contributions are helping shape the future of our institution and strengthen our global community. Dr. Surabhi Yadav, a renowned CSR consultant, led a thought provoking discussion on "Making Impact, Driving Change: Academia's CSR Partnership Beyond Compliance". With enthusiastic participation from 19 departments and centers across the institute, the event was a resounding success.

IIT Kanpur and Wadhwani Foundation Unveil Advanced AI & Intelligent Systems School

In a landmark collaboration, IIT Kanpur and the Wadhwani Foundation launched the Wadhwani School of Advanced Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Systems, in the esteemed presence of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. The school will focus on frontier areas in technology, including a Department of Intelligent Systems, and five initial research centers in the areas of Advanced AI, Developing Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity of Cyber-physical Systems, Robotics, and AI Policy and Outreach, along with launching a multi-disciplinary Department of Intelligent Systems offering BTech, MTech, PhD and postdoctoral programs.

IIT Kanpur & JSW Cement Secure ₹10.5 Cr DST Grant for CO₂ Capture Tech

The Department of Science and Technology has awarded a grant of ₹10.5 crore to IIT Kanpur and JSW Cement under its Academia-Industry Consortia initiative to advance CO₂ Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies in the cement industry. The official announcement was made on National Technology Day, May 11, 2025, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. As part of the initiative, IIT Kanpur will lead the development and deployment of a 1 TPD (tonne per day) integrated CO₂ capture and mineralization pilot-scale system at a cement clinker plant, aiming to enable end-to-end value chain integration and achieve net-negative carbon emissions.

The IIT Kanpur Foundation Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

The IIT Kanpur Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special tribute to Prof. Anantha Padmanabhan Kuppuswamy, former Director of IIT Kanpur, recognizing his lifetime contributions to academia, research, and mentorship. Held at the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley, the event brought together alumni from across the U.S. to honor Prof. Padmanabhan's remarkable journey—from a small village in Tamil Nadu to global academic leadership. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, and notable alumni including Deepak Bhagat and Surbhi Kaul shared inspiring stories of community and giving back.

Team Aerial Robotics IIT Kanpur Wins 1st Place Globally at ICUAS 2025

Team Aerial Robotics at IIT Kanpur, clinched 1st place worldwide at the International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS) 2025 student competition. Representing IIT Kanpur and India, the team outperformed elite competitors from Hong Kong, Armenia, Poland, and South Korea. In the final round, their swarm of Crazyflie drones demonstrated precise ArUco marker detection and seamless communication under real-world constraints—a system that had earlier secured third place globally in simulation. This victory is a shining example of innovation, perseverance, and technical mastery, powered by the unwavering support and mentorship that defines our ecosystem.

IIT Kanpur Receives The National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2024

IIT Kanpur received the National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2024 for Indian Academic Institution - Patents, cementing its leadership in innovation. The award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi, with Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, in attendance. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IITK, and Mr. Anshu Singh also received the honor for their contributions to intellectual property.

IIT Kanpur And The Headquarters Central Command of the Indian Army Signed an MoU

IIT Kanpur and the Headquarters Central Command of the Indian Army signed an MoU to collaborate on developing an advanced Remote Piloting Training Module (RPTM) and a Software-in-the-Loop Simulator (SITL) for drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The MoU was signed in the presence of Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, alongside IIT Kanpur faculty members Dr. G.M. Kamath and Dr. Subrahmanyam Saderla. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized that this collaboration showcases the institute's aerospace expertise and strengthens India's self-reliance in defense and aerospace innovation.

Foxhog Ventures Commits ₹25 Cr CSR Investment to Support IIT Kanpur Startups

Foxhog Ventures Corp, a US-based global venture capital firm, pledged INR 25 crore (USD 3.5 million) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support startups incubated at IIT Kanpur's Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC). The investment focuses on aerospace, defence, agritech, and sustainability—critical sectors for India's growth.

SIIC IIT Kanpur and SBI Foundation Partnership

SIIC IIT Kanpur Partners with SBI Foundation to Launch 'Startup Innovations for Social Good' Initiative

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur (incubatoriitk), in partnership with SBI Foundation, launched the 'Startup Innovations for Social Good' initiative under SBIF Innovators for Bharat. The initiative is also being supported by SBI DFHI Limited - Primary Dealer and SBI Ventures Limited. This initiative aims to bring socially impactful solutions through mentoring and funding support to early and growth-stage startups. The launch event was graced by Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni IIT Kanpur; Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor Incharge, Innovation & Incubation, FIRST IIT Kanpur; Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SBI Foundation; and other dignitaries.

Abhinandan '25 Held to Celebrate Graduating Class

Abhinandan '25 was organized on 10th May 2025 to celebrate and honour the graduating Class of 2025. The event featured addresses by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Prof. Braj Bhushan, Prof. Amey Karkare, Prof. Ketan Rajawat, and Mr. Jai Shanker Sharma, with a special virtual message from Mr. Rakesh Sharma, President, Alumni Association. The evening included a graduating dinner, organized jointly by the IITK Alumni Association, Office of Resources and Alumni, and the Outreach Cell. A 'Memory Lane' exhibit highlighted memorable moments from the batch's four-year journey at IIT Kanpur.

IITKanpur signed a MoU with the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry Of Home Affairs (mha), GOI

IITKanpur signed a MoU with the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry Of Home Affairs (mha), GOI, for the establishment of a Census Data Research Workstation at its Computer Center. The MoU was signed between Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, and Ms. Sheetal Verma IAS, Director, Census Operations and Civil Registration, Government of India, in the presence of Prof. Nisanth Nair, Dean of Digital Infrastructure and Automation; Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development; Prof. Ashoke De, Dean of Academic Affairs; Ms. Swagat Bhandari IAS, OSD IIT Kanpur; Prof. Subhra Sankar Dhar, Department of Mathematics and Statistics; Mr. SS Sharma, Joint Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Dr. Ritul Kamal, Deputy Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Uttar Pradesh; and Mr. @Sandeep Rai, Deputy Director, ORGI New Delhi.

"In an engaging interaction with the DoRA Office, he reflects on his unconventional journey, love for cricket, and how IITK laid the foundation for dreaming big."

Let's start from the beginning—How did your journey at IIT Kanpur begin? Was cricket always a part of the plan, or did it sneak in later like a googly?

Cricket was always close to my heart. Even during school days, I was very passionate about it. But I also knew that if I wanted to continue playing without objections from my parents, I had to do well in academics too. That balance helped me focus and eventually crack the IIT entrance exam. Before coming to IIT Kanpur, I only played softball cricket. But once I got to campus, I was introduced to leather ball cricket. Playing alongside skilled players—some from IIT and many from outside—gave me a new perspective. That's when I realized, "Maybe I'm not that far behind." That's when I started seriously considering cricket as more than just a hobby.

How did IIT Kanpur shape your personal and professional journey? Was there a turning point during your campus life that set your path in motion?

IITK taught me how to stay disciplined, how to manage time, and most importantly, how to keep believing in myself. It was during my time at IITK, playing competitive cricket and balancing it with studies, that I realized I could actually take cricket forward as a serious pursuit. The turning point was when I started competing with strong players and holding my ground. That gave me the confidence that I have the potential too—and maybe with the right opportunities, I could do something more with it.

Abhishek Anand balancing academics and cricket

What kept your passion for cricket alive, even while pursuing a demanding academic path at IIT Kanpur? And how did you manage both?

It wasn't easy, but I loved both in different ways. Cricket gave me energy and purpose. Studies gave me structure and stability. I always believed that if I could do decently well in academics, then no one would question my decision to play. So I stayed consistent—never tried to be perfect, but always tried to keep things balanced. Whenever I got time between classes or labs, I used it for practice or fitness. Over time, it just became a habit to manage both.

Have you faced moments where the two paths conflicted? How did you handle those situations?

Yes, many times. Sometimes tournaments would clash with exams or labs, and I had to make difficult choices. I remember skipping a few important matches due to academic deadlines and vice versa. But I always tried to keep my communication clear—with teammates, everyone. And I accepted that I couldn't give 100% to both at all times. It was all about managing priorities and making peace with the choices.

Abhishek Anand captaining IIT Kanpur team

You captained the IIT Kanpur cricket team—what did those leadership days teach you that no classroom ever could? Any match moment that's etched in your heart forever?

Leading the team was a huge learning curve. I learnt how to handle pressure, manage different personalities, and take responsibility—not just for myself but for the whole team. One moment I'll never forget was during Udghosh, when I was captaining the IITK Alumni team. We reached the semifinals, but one of our main players got injured badly and had to be taken to the hospital. We were almost on the verge of losing the match—our whole team was all out except for that injured player. To everyone's surprise, he came back just in time, padded up, and walked in to bat. He had been following the scorecard from the hospital! That courage and timing turned the match around, and we went on to win the tournament. It was an unforgettable moment of team spirit and belief.

Japan, cricket, and software—sounds like the title of a Netflix documentary! Tell us how you landed in Japan and became a part of the Japan Cricket Association.

That's actually not too far off. Japan was never part of the plan. During placements, I got an offer from Accenture Japan. I had just a few hours to decide whether to accept it or not. In that time, I searched online to see if there was any cricket scene in Japan—and randomly found an article about Japan participating in the T20 World Cup qualifiers. That one moment made me decide to go. Once I moved here, I reached out to the Japan Cricket Association, started playing locally, and slowly became part of the national setup. It still feels a bit unreal sometimes.

Abhishek Anand in Japanese work environment

You've worked with Accenture Japan and now with Manulife. How has your tech journey evolved? Any cultural or professional insights from working in the Japanese work environment?

Working in Japan has been a unique experience. The culture here values discipline, teamwork, and humility. Professionally, I've grown a lot—starting with Accenture and now at Manulife, I've worked on interesting tech projects and also learned how to adapt to a completely different work culture. Language and communication were big challenges at first, but over time, I got more comfortable. It's helped me grow both as a professional and as a person.

Criticism is part of the game—on field and off it. How do you deal with it? Ever had to face a tough decision or moment of self-doubt? How did you bounce back?

Definitely. Whether it's a bad day at work or a rough patch in cricket, criticism and self-doubt are always around. I've had moments where I wondered if I'm doing the right thing—especially when I wasn't performing or when things weren't going as planned. But in those moments, I just remind myself why I started. I also try to talk to people I trust, who know my journey. That support helps a lot. I take feedback seriously, but I don't let it shake my confidence. I've learned to keep moving forward, even if it's slow.

What's next for Abhishek Anand? Are we going to see a startup founder, a full-time cricketer, a cloud architect—or all of the above?

Honestly, I'm keeping all doors open. Right now, I'm focusing on giving my best to both cricket and my tech career. I'd love to explore areas where both can intersect—maybe something in sports tech someday. I'm not rushing into a fixed path. I'm just taking it step by step and seeing where it leads.

Your advice to students at IITK, especially those who feel torn between academics, passion, and a future they can't quite define yet?

I'd say don't stress too much about figuring it all out right away. It's okay to be confused. What's important is to keep exploring and not ignore what excites you—whether it's music, sports, writing, or anything else. Try to maintain balance. You don't need to be the best at everything, but if you're consistent and true to what you love, the dots will connect someday. And remember—your journey is your own. Don't compare it too much with others.

Quick rapid fire to lighten things up!

Cricket or coding—what gives you the bigger adrenaline rush?

Cricket—always. Nothing beats the pressure of the last over and the sound of the ball hitting the bat just right.

Chai at IITK canteen or sushi in Tokyo?

Chai at IITK canteen—sushi is nice, but chai with friends at IITK hits different.

If your life were a movie, what would the title be?

Bihari Jalwa from Kanpur to Japan

Favorite food from the IITK mess?

Chicken curry of our Hall - 12 mess

Most funny memory of IITK?

One of the funniest memories I have is about our coach, Subrata Roy sir. When I played well and aggressively, he'd shower me with praise like I was the next big thing. But the moment I got out, his whole vibe would switch instantly - like he turned into a completely different person! It was hilarious how fast he changed from cheerleader to critic

The professor whose class you never skipped?

Prof. whose attendance mattered the most

India vs Japan match—you're batting last over. Who do you want to bowl?

Bowling to any Indian batsman will be a dream come true and if it's batting I would like to face Bumrah.

And finally, if you could go back to your first day at IITK, what would you tell that younger Abhishek in one line?

Relax, you're exactly where you need to be - and trust the process.

President's Gold Medalist - Talin Gupta

“My IITK journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Being awarded the prestigious President's Gold Medal has given me an immense feeling of gratitude towards all my professors, my family and my friends. I believe that no achievement is ever possible alone, it all comes together when the people around you are supportive. The main thing I learnt here was that no matter what you want to do, help will always be available here, you just need to ask for it. IITK is such a great community structure that provides with all sorts of freedom you need , the only bottleneck is what you set for yourself, and this I say for any field you chose to pursue. To my juniors : go out there, explore,interact as much as you can with as many people as you can put yourself in situations you find uncomfortable bu know are required for your development, don't be afraid to try. And always remember, your IITK journey will be an aggregation of many random decisions you take along the way : so why not always choose the ones that are gonna be worth telling stories about. IITK is not just a place, it's not just the people, it is a beautiful combination of both : live it.”

Talin Gupta-BT/CSE/2025

Director's Gold Medalist - Kalash Talati

“Receiving the Director’s Gold Medal along with the Professor Burton J Moyer Memorial Award, and the Bhagvatula Project Award, at Convocation 2025 was an incredibly humbling and joyful moment. Standing on that stage, I felt immense gratitude for my family, mentors, and friends who supported me throughout this journey. IIT Kanpur has not only shaped me academically but has also given me memories and lessons that I will carry for life. I’m proud to be part of this vibrant community and hope to contribute back in meaningful ways”.

Kalash Talati-BS-MS/PHY/2025

Director's Gold Medalist - Dhruv Misra

“Receiving the Director's Gold Medal was an incredibly emotional moment for me. It felt like a joyful culmination of every effort I had poured into the Students' Gymkhana and my journey at IIT Kanpur. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who's been a part of these 4 years here -- my parents, friends, professors, and the entire IITK community”.

Dhruv Misra-BT/EE/2025