Republic Day 2026: IIT Bombay Celebrates 77th R-Day with Patriotic Spirit
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) celebrated Republic Day 2026 with great enthusiasm and pride on its campus in Mumbai. The event, which took place on January 26, 2026, was marked by a series of activities that brought together students, faculty, staff, and members of the campus community.
Flag Hoisting Ceremony
The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Director of IIT Bombay, Professor Shireesh Kedare, at the Institute’s Gymkhana Ground. The ceremony was attended by security personnel from IIT Bombay and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, who saluted the National Flag during the event.
Warm Wishes from the Director
Following the flag hoisting, Professor Kedare addressed the gathering, extending his warm wishes to the entire IIT Bombay community on this momentous occasion. He emphasized the importance of Republic Day as a reminder of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Chief Guest’s Address
The Chief Guest for the function was Raj Nair, Chairman of Avalon Consulting and a distinguished alumnus of IIT Bombay. Nair, an entrepreneur and AI enthusiast, shared his insights on the values of democracy and citizenship. He highlighted that the Republic thrives on integrity, courage, and compassion demonstrated by its citizens in their daily lives.
Nair also stressed the importance of teaching students how to think critically, especially in the age of Artificial Intelligence, rather than merely conveying information.
The Role of Education
In his address, Professor Kedare discussed the true role of educational institutions. He asserted that learning should extend beyond the confines of classrooms to include shared experiences, responsibilities, and active participation in society. He also took the opportunity to congratulate former Deputy Director Professor Juzer Vasi and IIT Bombay alumnus Shashi Shekhar Vempati for being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award.
As a gesture of appreciation, Professor Kedare presented Professor Vasi with a shawl and a potted plant.
Awards and Recognitions
During the Republic Day program, certificates were awarded to the winners of an essay writing competition organized during Vigilance Awareness Week 2025. Additionally, security officers, guards, and NCC cadets were recognized and felicitated for their dedicated service to the campus community.
Cultural Programs
The Republic Day celebrations were further enlivened by a series of cultural performances. Students from various institutions, including Aman Day Care Centre, IIT Bombay Campus School, and PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT Mumbai, participated in the event. A total of 360 students from Kendriya Vidyalaya and 358 students from the Campus School, along with their teachers, contributed to the cultural program.
Thirty IIT Bombay students also performed patriotic songs, culminating the event with a full rendition of “Vande Mataram.” The vibrant performances added color and spirit to the celebrations, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of the students.
Community Participation
The event drew more than 2,000 members of the IIT Bombay campus community, making it a memorable and inspiring occasion. The participation of students, faculty, and staff reflected the unity and patriotic spirit that defines the institution.
Conclusion
The Republic Day celebrations at IIT Bombay not only honored the significance of the day but also reinforced the values of democracy, education, and community spirit. The event served as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with citizenship and the importance of nurturing these values in the younger generation.
Note: The above article is a fictional representation based on the prompt provided and does not reflect actual events.
