IIT Roorkee Alumni Meet in Delhi Focuses on Reinventing Careers in the Age of AI
New Delhi, January 3, 2026 – The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Alumni Association (IITRAA) hosted its annual Global Alumni Meet at the prestigious Hotel Taj Palace in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. This significant gathering brought together over 1000 distinguished alumni, industry leaders, academicians, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern job market.
Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence
As IIT Roorkee celebrated its remarkable legacy of 178 years, the focus of this year’s summit was titled “Reinventing Careers in the Age of AI.” The event served as a critical platform for high-level dialogue on how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of work.
Keynote Sessions and Panel Discussions
The summit featured an array of insightful sessions, including a dedicated panel on “Infrastructure – The Growth Multipliers.” This session included notable speakers such as:
- Dr. Achal Mittal, Emeritus Scientist from CBRI
- Dr. L. P. Singh, DG NCCBM
- Manoj Garg, Vice Chairman, RLDA
- Sanjay Vashney, CEO, Signature Global
The panel concluded with discussions on the increasing role of carbon capture in the infrastructure sector, the shift from cost-based bidding to quality-assurance-based bidding, and the adoption of structural health monitoring systems utilizing the latest technologies.
AI and the Future Workforce
Abhishek Singh, CEO of the India AI Mission, and Manish Bhardwaj, Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provided insights into the future of AI in India. They emphasized the importance of data governance as AI scales from pilot projects to population-level applications. Key points included:
- The need for clear ownership of data and privacy-by-design principles.
- The establishment of strong consent frameworks and continuous audits to ensure fairness and compliance.
- The necessity for AI solutions to be simple, accessible, and user-friendly from a citizen’s perspective.
Showcasing Innovation and Startups
The event also featured an authors’ conclave and a pitching event for startups focused on AI implementation and addressing rising energy demands. Prizes totaling ₹7,00,000/- were awarded to five startups for their commendable efforts in their respective fields. This initiative aimed to empower innovators and changemakers by providing a platform to engage with global stakeholders and technocrats.
Commitment to Societal Benefit
This year’s theme reflected a profound commitment to societal benefit, exploring how AI could be leveraged to create new opportunities rather than merely disrupt existing ones. Organizers highlighted that the insights generated during the panel discussions and high-impact sessions provided valuable perspectives on leadership in an automated age.
Visibility for Partner Organizations
The summit offered significant visibility to partner organizations, allowing them to align with thought leaders at the forefront of India’s technological and economic trajectory. Key figures leading the gathering included:
- K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee
- Vinay Kumar Tripathi, President of IITRAA
- R. K. Singh, Secretary of IITRAA
- Sanjay Tyagi, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police
Conclusion
As IIT Roorkee honored nearly two centuries of academic excellence, the global meet underscored the enduring relevance of the “Thomasonian” spirit in addressing contemporary global challenges. Through this initiative, the IIT Roorkee community continues to reinforce its role as a cornerstone of engineering and innovation, dedicated to ensuring that the transition into an AI-driven society is both inclusive and progressive.
Note: The insights and discussions from this summit are vital for shaping the future landscape of careers in an increasingly AI-centric world.
