BITS Pilani has announced a generous contribution of $1 million (approximately Rs 8.40 crore) from alumni couple Ravinder Kumar Bhat (1978 batch) and Sumita Desarkar (1981 batch). This donation increases the total commitment to the BITS Pilani Endowment Fund to over $18 million, as stated in a recent press release from the institute.
Bhat and Desarkar, both serial entrepreneurs based in the UAE, have successfully established businesses in various sectors, including construction, commodity trading, infrastructure, oil and gas equipment, and event management. Their donation is made under the Sumita Desarkar and Ravinder K Bhat Fund for Institutional Development, which is part of a larger goal to raise $100 million for the endowment fund. This initiative aims to enhance institutional growth and support innovation at BITS Pilani.
The funds will be utilized for upgrading laboratories, improving infrastructure, initiating research projects, and enriching the overall educational experience for students across BITS Pilani’s campuses. In their statement, Desarkar and Bhat expressed their gratitude, noting that BITS Pilani has significantly influenced their personal and professional journeys. They hope their contribution will further the institute’s legacy of excellence and create new opportunities for future generations.
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, expressed deep appreciation for the support, stating, “This fund will greatly enhance our efforts towards academic and infrastructural development, pushing the institute toward new horizons.” Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the couple’s generosity will have a lasting impact on the institution and its community.
