IIT Bombay Alumni Rewrite History with ‘Project Evergreen’
In a landmark achievement for Indian higher education, IIT Bombay has recently announced the completion and operationalization of Project Evergreen—a fully alumni-led initiative that has transformed the Institute’s student housing infrastructure. With a remarkable ₹200 crore raised, three state-of-the-art hostels built, and a record-breaking construction timeline, Project Evergreen has set a new global benchmark for alumni-driven impact.
Overview of Project Evergreen
The new complex includes:
- 848 rooms
- 1,127 beds
- Expansive area of 3,70,000 sq. ft.
This makes it IIT Bombay’s largest student housing development ever and a significant milestone in the history of the IIT system. Additionally, Project Evergreen has earned the prestigious IGBC Gold certification under the Green Homes Rating System, making it the first building on campus to receive this recognition. This achievement reaffirms IIT Bombay’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
Inception of the Project
Reflecting on the project’s beginnings, Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, former Director of IIT Bombay, stated, “Necessity is the mother of invention. Our infrastructure needed urgent upgrades, and the time had come to push the envelope. It was a risk, but we believed deeply in the power and commitment of our alumni.” He added, “Representing IIT Bombay’s largest student housing complex and a historic milestone for the IIT ecosystem, the project reflects unprecedented scale, ambition, and collaboration. The new hostels are now operational and already enriching campus life for students.”
The Journey of Transformation
Project Evergreen began as a simple conversation between a small group of alumni volunteers and Prof. Chaudhuri. What followed was a transformational journey powered by trust, conviction, and collective will. Alumni leaders Narayan Sundaresan, who helmed construction, and Kirat Patel, who led the development of the fundraising model, recall the early leap of faith.
“The initial response was very encouraging,” Patel said. “We began with a ₹4-5 crore design phase supported by 26 charter donors. Phase two depended on our belief that we could raise the full construction cost—and the alumni community proved us right.”
Community Support and Contributions
What began as a core team’s conviction soon became a powerful movement. A remarkable 2,700 alumni donors—from the Class of 1962 to the Class of 2024—came together to support the project, with contributions ranging from ₹10 crore to ₹1,000. Nearly 100 alumni volunteers also contributed time, expertise, and leadership, demonstrating the unparalleled strength of IIT Bombay’s community.
One symbolic contribution—a ₹100 donation from a current student—captured the collective pride and solidarity fueling the effort.
Impact on Campus Life
Applauding the accomplishment, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, stated, “Project Evergreen doesn’t just upgrade hostel life. It demonstrates what becomes possible when alumni and institutions work together with belief and ambition. It brings us one step closer to our aspiration of global pre-eminence.” He emphasized that “Project Evergreen is more than infrastructure—it is a living example of nation-building driven by community, conviction, and pride. It shows what alumni can achieve when they come together with purpose.”
Corporate Partnerships
Strengthening the project’s vision, over 25 corporates partnered with IIT Bombay to support its mission of inclusive, high-quality student housing, making Project Evergreen a model for large-scale public-private collaboration. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of student life but also sets a precedent for future initiatives within the IIT ecosystem.
Conclusion
Project Evergreen stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and alumni contributions in shaping the future of educational infrastructure. It highlights the potential for collective action to drive significant change, paving the way for future projects that can similarly transform student experiences across India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates regarding Project Evergreen and reflects the ongoing commitment of IIT Bombay and its alumni towards enhancing student life and infrastructure.
