Kanpur, May 27, 2025: In a spirited celebration of patriotism and national unity, IIT Kanpur hosted the ‘Rashtra Pratham’ program—an initiative aimed at reaffirming the institute’s deep-rooted commitment to the ideals of “Nation First.” The event brought together students, faculty, defense personnel, and distinguished guests to pay tribute to the armed forces and strengthen the spirit of national service.

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Brigadier Shabbarul Hasan, Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, Professor Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director, Professor Jitendra Bera, Dean of Faculty Affairs, Shri Vishwa Ranjan, Registrar, Professor Tajdarul Hassan Syed, and Professor Pratik Sen, Dean of Student Affairs.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Professor Pratik Sen, Dean of Student Affairs, IIT Kanpur, emphasizing the significance of unity and national pride. He acknowledged the contributions of the armed forces and felicitated key personnel, including the institute's Director and Deputy Director, for their continued efforts in aligning IIT Kanpur’s initiatives with the service of the nation.

Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the institute's pivotal role in advancing India's development. He stated, "As an institute, it is our responsibility to drive the nation's progress. Technology, when applied effectively, can be transformative for the nation." He highlighted the key Deep Tech initiatives through which IIT Kanpur is driving translational R&D for national growth, such as the AI CoE for Sustainable Cities which focuses on sustainable urban solutions for power and water management, the upcoming Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology and Yadupati Singhania Super Speciality Hospital aimed at fostering indigenous innovations in healthcare. Additionally, he underscored IIT Kanpur's active collaboration with the armed forces in strategically important areas such as cybersecurity, drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Professor Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director IIT Kanpur, in his address, highlighted IIT Kanpur’s leadership not only in academic excellence but also in fostering social responsibility. “At IIT Kanpur, we always keep the nation in our mind and heart. Beyond academics, we encourage active participation in causes that matter to society,” he said. He also referenced Operation Sindoor, a recent mission symbolizing technological and strategic collaboration, and expressed immense pride in the soldiers and the institute’s contribution to the nation’s defense ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Chief Guest Brigadier Shabbarul Hasan, Station Commander of Army & Kanpur Cantonment Board, appreciated the partnership between the armed forces and IIT Kanpur. He spoke about India’s military history, referencing operations such as Cactus, the Indo-Pak wars, and Operation Sindoor, reiterating India’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. He also noted the strategic relevance of the Defence Corridor in Kanpur and how it reflects the Army’s role in national development.

The program urged all citizens to remain vigilant, stay updated via official channels, avoid sharing unverified content, and report suspicious activities promptly—underscoring the collective responsibility in upholding the spirit of "Rashtra Pratham."

Following the program, a patriotic song and poetry competition was held, with prizes awarded across three age categories. The event was judged by Shri Bharat Somaiya, Shri Vivek Mishra (SDM, Narwal), and Professor Bharat Lohani. In the 9 to 12 years category, the winners were Pragyan Verma, Vaishnavi Bora, and Shaily Omar. In the 13 to 18 years category, Chavi Agarwal, Viral Yadav, and Sristi Soni received prizes. For the 19 years and above category, the winners were Deepak Kushwah, Ruchi Singh, and Premendra P. Singh.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has significantly contributed to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts various academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur fosters innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.