- Bali encourages students to embrace collaboration, as the leaders of tomorrow will be those who work together to solve complex challenges
- Building future-ready leaders: IITGN begins transformative foundation programme for new BTech Cohort
- The four-week immersive programme will run until August 15, 2025, aiming to shape not only the academic journey but also the personal growth of its students
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JULY 21
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) commenced its flagship Foundation Programme (FP) on Monday, for the newly admitted BTech students of the 2025 batch. A hallmark initiative of the Institute, the four-week immersive programme will run until August 15, 2025, aiming to shape not only the academic journey but also the personal growth of its students.
The Foundation Programme reflects IITGN’s deep commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not just technically proficient but also socially conscious, ethically grounded, physically active, and creatively inspired. This year, the programme was inaugurated by Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group, India, as the Chief Guest.
“The Foundation Programme is a great initiative instituted by IITGN. For me, this is not just the foundation programme for the next four years — it is the foundation for a Viksit Bharat. It is the foundation for building the future of our nation. You are entering a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world. Be prepared for it. You need to be at the top of your game all the time. In India, you are at the right place, with the right people. You are growing up at a time when India is on the rise. Make sure that you continuously learn,” he said.
Bali also shared his thoughts on leadership, emphasising that credibility and authenticity will be the cornerstones of great leaders in the future. He encouraged students to embrace collaboration, as the leaders of tomorrow will be those who work together to solve complex challenges.
Structured around five core pillars—Values and Ethics, Creativity, Teamwork, Social Awareness, and Physical Activities and Sports—the programme offers a refreshing break from the rigorous academic preparation students undergo for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). During these four weeks, students will participate in a wide array of engaging activities, including music, dance, sports, art, community outreach, and hands-on creative workshops.
Through these experiences, IITGN aims to cultivate open-mindedness, empathy, leadership, and a spirit of inquiry among its students.
The programme also features motivational talks by thought leaders, industry experts, and innovators, giving students the opportunity to interact with and learn from eminent personalities across various domains.
Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN welcomed over 900 freshers across degrees and disciplines – one of the biggest in the Institute’s history. Addressing the new entrants, he said, “Don’t let your rank define you. What matters now is how much you evolve as a person over the next few years. Stay curious, stay open, and remember — learning never stops.”
