SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Diya TV) — More than 140 graduates of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi gathered in Santa Clara, California, on Oct. 24, to reconnect with their alma mater and learn about its plans for the next decade.
The gathering brought together Indian diaspora members from different graduating classes and professional backgrounds. Many now work across industries in the United States. The event also allowed alumni to discuss IIT Delhi’s future and explore ways to support its growth.
The meeting took place at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension campus. It marked the first stop of a three-city U.S. tour by an IIT Delhi delegation led by faculty director Rangan Banerjee.
The visit highlighted the institute’s efforts to strengthen its international alumni network. It also reflected the growing role of Indian-origin professionals in supporting educational institutions in India.
During the event, Banerjee joined Navin Chaddha, managing partner at Mayfield, for a discussion on IIT Delhi 2.0. Their conversation focused on the institute’s long-term vision and its roadmap for the coming decade.
The discussion explored how IIT Delhi plans to build on its academic reputation while preparing for future challenges. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong connections with graduates who have established careers overseas.
For IIT Delhi, its global alumni community remains an important resource. Graduates can contribute through professional networks, industry connections, academic partnerships and financial support. Therefore, maintaining these relationships can help the institute pursue its long-term goals.
The session also featured insights from senior IIT Delhi representatives. Prof. Vivek Buwa, deputy director for Strategy and Planning, discussed the institute’s priorities. Prof. Nilanjan Senroy, dean of Alumni Relations, shared his views on strengthening alumni engagement.
Meanwhile, Mona Singh, CEO of the IIT Delhi Endowment Management Foundation, offered perspectives on the institution’s development and fundraising efforts.
Together, the speakers provided alumni with a broader understanding of the institute’s plans. They also discussed how graduates could remain involved in its future progress.
Beyond the formal discussion, the gathering offered graduates an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and meet fellow alumni.
The attendees represented several graduating batches and professional sectors. Their presence demonstrated the reach of IIT Delhi’s alumni network in the United States, particularly in the technology and business communities.
Moreover, the event encouraged conversations between institute representatives and graduates about future engagement. Such meetings can help universities maintain relationships with former students long after graduation.
UCSC Silicon Valley Extension hosted the gathering. Volunteers also helped organize and support the event. Among them was Ranjeeta Nanda, president of the IIT Delhi Endowment Fund (U.S.).
The event formed part of a broader effort to connect IIT Delhi with its international graduates. Through direct engagement, the institute aims to share its priorities and strengthen relationships with alumni who can contribute experience, expertise and resources.
The California gathering was part of a wider U.S. visit that also included an academic engagement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
As part of the visit, Banerjee led an IIT Delhi delegation to the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. Representatives from both institutions discussed the growing influence of artificial intelligence and computing in higher education and research.
The discussions covered several areas, including the integration of artificial intelligence across academic disciplines. They also examined how universities can prepare students for a rapidly changing technology landscape.
Artificial intelligence continues to influence research, education and industries worldwide. As a result, universities face increasing pressure to update their academic programs and equip students with relevant skills.
The IIT Delhi delegation and MIT representatives also explored potential areas of collaboration. Although the discussions focused on possibilities, they reflected a shared interest in advancing research and education through technology.
The three-city U.S. tour provided IIT Delhi with opportunities to engage its alumni community and connect with leading academic institutions.
The Santa Clara gathering highlighted the importance of alumni relationships in supporting the institute’s long-term development. At the same time, the MIT visit created opportunities to discuss academic cooperation in emerging fields.
Together, these engagements underscored IIT Delhi’s interest in expanding international connections. They also highlighted the role of Indian diaspora professionals in building stronger links between Indian educational institutions and global research and business communities.
