CSR News: IIT Mandi Receives USD 86,000 Donation Aid to Establish the Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund
Mandi, India: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), a prominent second-generation IIT, is thrilled to announce a significant contribution exceeding USD 86,000 (approximately Rs. 75 Lakh) from Mr. Satish Agarwal and Ms. Kamlesh Agarwal, distinguished philanthropists based in the United States. This generous donation is intended for the establishment of the “Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund” based in Houston, Texas, USA.
Purpose of the Charitable Fund
The primary aim of this contribution is to create a sustainable endowment that will support a variety of developmental initiatives at IIT Mandi. The fund will facilitate:
- Student scholarships
- Faculty and student travel grants
- Infrastructure development
- Smart classrooms
- Research and innovation projects
Structure of the Fund
One of the notable features of the Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund is its operational structure. The fund will function as a Master Account, which means that only the interest income (up to 90%) will be utilized annually for the approved purposes. The principal corpus will remain intact, ensuring long-term financial sustainability for future initiatives.
Management and Oversight
The oversight of fund allocation, project selection, and reinvestment will be managed by a Committee for Execution (CE) comprising faculty members from IIT Mandi. This committee will ensure that the funds are utilized effectively and in alignment with the goals of the charitable fund.
Appreciation from IIT Mandi
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, the Director of IIT Mandi, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Satish and Ms. Kamlesh Agarwal for their generosity and vision in supporting higher education and innovation. He emphasized the importance of such contributions in enhancing the educational landscape and fostering research initiatives at the institute.
Collaboration with IIT Roorkee Foundation
This collaboration was facilitated by the IIT Roorkee Foundation (IITRF), USA. IIT Mandi extends its sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors (BOD) of IIT Roorkee Foundation for their altruistic approach in transmitting 100% of all donations received from donors directly to IIT Mandi and other recipient organizations in India. It is noteworthy that the BOD of IITRF covers all operational expenses from their own resources, ensuring that every dollar donated is utilized for its intended purpose.
Impact on IIT Mandi’s Future
The establishment of the Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund is expected to have a profound impact on IIT Mandi’s future. By providing essential financial support for scholarships and infrastructure, the fund will enhance the educational experience for students and faculty alike. It will also encourage innovative research projects that can lead to significant advancements in various fields.
Conclusion
The generous donation from Mr. Satish and Ms. Kamlesh Agarwal marks a significant milestone for IIT Mandi. As the institute continues to grow and evolve, such contributions will play a crucial role in ensuring that it remains at the forefront of higher education and research in India. The commitment to long-term sustainability through the Charitable Fund will not only benefit current students and faculty but also future generations.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates available as of November 20, 2025.
