In a remarkable gesture of giving back, Mahesh Samdani, a US-based alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, has donated $1 million to his alma mater. The generous contribution was announced recently and is slated to support a range of academic and student-focused initiatives, including scholarship programmes, research excellence and innovation platforms.
Samdani, who graduated from BITS Pilani before building a successful career in the United States, expressed his desire to help nurture future leaders and innovators. His donation reflects a growing trend of global alumni supporting higher education institutions in India, especially in STEM and research domains.
Officials at BITS Pilani welcomed the gift, noting its expected impact on broadening access to quality education and fostering an environment where students can pursue cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial ventures. The funds are expected to be allocated to merit and need-based scholarships, infrastructure for research labs, and mentoring programmes that connect students with industry and academic leaders.
The donation underscores the strong bond between BITS Pilani and its global alumni community, and highlights how former students are helping their alma mater thrive on the global stage. As higher education costs continue to rise, such philanthropic support is seen as critical to ensuring equitable access and excellence in learning.
