IIT Mandi Receives USD 86,000 Donation to Establish Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund
Himachal, November 20, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has announced a generous donation of over USD 86,000 (approximately Rs. 75 lakh) from US-based philanthropists, Mr. Satish Agrawal and Ms. Kamlesh Agrawal. This contribution will be used to establish the “Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund,” based in Houston, Texas, USA.
Purpose of the Charitable Fund
The newly established fund aims to support a variety of developmental initiatives at IIT Mandi. Key areas of focus include:
- Scholarships for deserving students
- Travel grants for academic and research purposes
- Research funding to promote innovation
- Infrastructure development to enhance campus facilities
- Smart classroom facilities to improve learning experiences
Sustainable Endowment Model
The Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund will operate as a sustainable endowment. This means that only up to 90% of the annual interest income generated from the fund will be utilized for the aforementioned initiatives, while the principal amount will remain intact. This model ensures long-term financial sustainability for the fund and its initiatives.
Oversight and Management
A Committee for Execution (CE), composed of faculty members from IIT Mandi, will be responsible for overseeing the allocation of funds, selecting projects, and managing reinvestment strategies. This committee will ensure that the contributions are utilized effectively to maximize their impact on the institution and its students.
Statements from IIT Mandi Officials
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, the Director of IIT Mandi, expressed profound gratitude towards the Agrawals for their generous donation. He stated, “This contribution will significantly advance higher education and innovation at our institute. We are thankful for their commitment to supporting educational initiatives.”
Prof. Varun Dutt, Dean of Resource Generation & Alumni Relations (DORA) at IIT Mandi, also commented on the importance of this donation. He said, “We are deeply thankful to Mr. Satish and Ms. Kamlesh Agrawal for their generous and visionary contribution. This Charitable Fund sets an example of a sustainable model of philanthropy to advance academic excellence, research, and innovation at IIT Mandi for years to come.”
Donor’s Perspective
Mr. Satish Agrawal, one of the donors, shared his thoughts on the contribution. He remarked, “This contribution is dedicated to promoting education, research, and community welfare through IIT Mandi. It reflects our belief in creating lasting societal impact through knowledge and innovation.”
Impact on IIT Mandi
IIT Mandi has noted that this endowment will significantly strengthen ongoing efforts to support students, expand academic resources, and drive innovation-led development. The fund will play a crucial role in enhancing the educational landscape at the institute and ensuring that students have access to the necessary resources to thrive academically.
About IIT Mandi
Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, established in 2009, is one of the premier engineering institutes in India. Located in the picturesque Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, IIT Mandi focuses on cutting-edge research and innovation. The institute aims to provide high-quality education and foster an environment conducive to learning and development.
Collaboration with IIT Roorkee Foundation
The collaboration for this donation was facilitated by the IIT Roorkee Foundation (IITRF), USA. IIT Mandi is grateful to the IITRF Board of Directors for their support in forwarding 100% of donor contributions to Indian institutions. Notably, the board members personally bear all operational expenses, ensuring that the entire donation is utilized for its intended purpose.
Future Prospects
The establishment of the Satish and Kamlesh Agrawal Charitable Fund marks a significant milestone for IIT Mandi. The institute is optimistic that this fund will not only enhance the quality of education but also inspire other philanthropists to contribute towards the advancement of higher education in India.
Conclusion
The generous donation from Mr. Satish and Ms. Kamlesh Agrawal is a testament to the power of philanthropy in supporting educational institutions. As IIT Mandi continues to grow and innovate, this fund will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its students and the broader community.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025 and aims to highlight the significance of the donation to IIT Mandi.
