- Sthapana Divas transforms IIT Gandhinagar into a vibrant celebration of intellect, imagination, music, theatre and dance
- From Ardhanareeshwaram to Veena, vocal music and theatre, students turn creativity into a powerful expression of campus life
- Debjani Ghosh urges young innovators to ask not only how technology is created, but why it is created
- Rajat Moona recalls IITGN’s remarkable journey from 90 students in 2008 to a thriving community of 5,500-plus students
NE EDUTAINMENT BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, AUG 3
For one sparkling evening, equations gave way to rhythm, laboratories to lights, and technology to the timeless vocabulary of art. IIT Gandhinagar’s 18th Sthapana Divas became more than a Foundation Day celebration—it was a colourful demonstration of how an institution can nurture both brilliant minds and creative souls.
Celebrated on August 1, the occasion brought together faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the IITGN community in a spirited celebration of the Institute’s journey, achievements and shared aspirations.
From an Ardhanareeshwaram dance that opened the cultural proceedings to soulful music, a Veena recital, theatre, group dance and quizzes, the campus came alive with the exuberance of youth and the richness of Indian cultural expression.
When classrooms met culture, IITGN found its rhythm
The celebrations began with the ceremonial lamp being lit by Chief Guest Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog, along with IITGN Director Prof Rajat Moona, Acting Registrar Prof Nithin V George, Dean of Student Affairs Prof Manish Kumar and BTech student Antariksh Dongre, General Secretary, IITGN.
The opening Ardhanareeshwaram performance immediately set the tone for an evening in which tradition and contemporary campus creativity moved effortlessly together.
The cultural extravaganza featured a musical presentation by the Sargam Club, the play Andha Yug by the Abhinaya Club, a dance performance by the Step-up Club, and Fest Bhairavi by Prof Atul Dixit.
The stage also became a showcase for the Institute’s student talent, with classical dance, group choreography, vocal music and Veena recital adding distinct hues to the celebration.
Competitions and engaging quizzes further drew the audience into the festivities, ensuring that Sthapana Divas was not merely watched—it was experienced.
18 years, from 90 students to a 5,500-strong community
Behind the cultural exuberance was an equally remarkable institutional journey.
Established in 2008 with an inaugural batch of just 90 students, IIT Gandhinagar has grown into a vibrant academic community of more than 5,500 students and over 5,000 alumni, while expanding its research ecosystem, international collaborations and societal impact.
Reflecting on the journey, Prof Rajat Moona said: “As IIT Gandhinagar marks 18 years of its journey, we take pride not only in our academic and research achievements but also in the vibrant community we have built together. From a modest beginning with just 90 students, the Institute has grown into a thriving campus while remaining committed to innovation, nation-building, and creating meaningful societal impact.”
The occasion also saw the inauguration of the Institute Calendar, a photograph session with contributors and a video presentation showcasing IITGN’s progress in academics, research, innovation and societal impact.
‘Ask not only how technology is created, but why’
If the students spoke through music, dance and theatre, Debjani Ghosh challenged them to speak through purpose-driven innovation.
Addressing the gathering, she underlined the responsibility that accompanies technological power and urged the young generation to keep humanity at the centre of innovation.
“Technology has the potential to change lives, but it must always remain grounded in human values and societal needs,” she stated.
Ghosh further observed:
“Infrastructure doesn’t create institutions. Institutions are based on ideas and values, which are formed by their people and their leadership.”
Her message to the students was particularly pointed:
“As you step into the future, remember to question not just how technology is created, but why it is created.”
She added that somewhere along the way society had stopped asking what technology meant for humanity, and said the younger generation had both “the opportunity, and the responsibility” to build technology that serves people and solves real-world problems.
She also appreciated IITGN’s emphasis on experiential education and its effort to nurture socially conscious innovators.
From ‘students first’ to society first
The Sthapana Divas celebration ultimately offered a glimpse of IITGN’s larger educational philosophy.
An institution founded with 90 students has grown into a major centre of higher education and research, but its journey was reflected not merely through numbers.
It was visible in students performing, creating, questioning, collaborating and celebrating together.
That is perhaps what made the cultural evening particularly significant.
The ‘Students First’ philosophy found expression not only in classrooms and laboratories but also on the cultural stage, where young minds discovered that innovation need not be confined to technology and creativity need not remain outside science.
As the final performances brought the curtain down, IITGN’s Sthapana Divas left behind a resonant message: the finest institutions do not merely prepare students for the future—they give them the imagination, values and courage to shape it.
