Endowed Chair Professorship created with generous endowment from J. K. Cotton Ltd.

Chair will promote research in cutting-edge technology in engineering sciences

December 30, 2020, Kanpur: IIT Kanpur (IIT-K), one of the first Indian Institutes of Technology and a globally acclaimed Institute of National Importance, today announced the establishment of a new Endowed Chair Professorship, the Yadupati Singhania Memorial Chair. This is a unique gesture by one of India’s largest conglomerates that started with the first textile mill set up by an Indian entrepreneur in Kanpur in 1921. A MOU in this regard was signed by IIT-K, represented by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, and J. K. Cotton Ltd., represented by Shri Abhishek Singhania authorised signatory and Director – JK Organisation. The Chair has been instituted in the name of Late Shri Yadupati Singhania, past Chairman and Managing Director of J. K. Cotton Ltd. and an alumnus of the institute, who passed away in August this year. The Chair, supported with a generous endowment from J. K. Cotton Ltd., aims to promote research in cutting-edge technology in engineering sciences for the improvement of life on earth.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT-K said, “The endowment is a sign of the support that our institute gets from its alumni. Shri Yadupati Singhania was a respected member of our community and a philanthropist who was always willing to help. His contribution and guidance to his alma mater were always a source of great support. His passing away this year left a gap that will be difficult to fill. I am grateful to the Singhania family for this initiative, which will help to not only keep his memory alive but also his ideas of contributing to the betterment of the planet through research and innovation in the engineering sciences.”

Shri Yadupati Singhania believed that Human resources are more valuable than capital assets and he strived to create institutions of education to pursue selfless development of the Human Capital. IITK had a very special place in his heart and he was always ready to help the institute or its students whenever, in need. In the words of Abhishek Singhania, Director JK Cotton Ltd. “Shri Yadupati Singhania was a visionary who believed in the development and progress of Science for betterment of the world. To pursue this vision of his, we have instituted this chair and hope that the world will benefit from the outcomes of the research”

This MoU holds special significance in light of the association between the two institutions that goes back to the founding days of IIT Kanpur when Sir Padampat Singhania and later his son, Shri Govind Hari Singhania, were the Chairman, Board of Governors, of the Institute. In view of this long association, J. K. Cotton Ltd. has contributed to institute a Faculty Chair to celebrate and relive the memory of Shri Yadupati Singhania. Late Shri Yadupati Singhania was not only an alumnus of IITK but also had a keen interest in the propagation of sciences and the advent of new technologies. He was conferred the 'Distinguished Alumnus Award' by IIT-K in 2015 for his exemplary contribution in the field of Entrepreneurship and founding and revolutionizing the white cement industry in the country. Shri Yadupati Singhania was also instrumental in restarting operations through his relentless efforts to ensure the mill reopened in 2009 after an interval of 20 years, a step that ensured added employment and furthered Kanpur city’s development.

Prof. Jayant K Singh, The Dean of Resources and Alumni said, “It is indeed a very significant day for all of us at IIT Kanpur. We are grateful to J K Cotton for institutin Shri Y.P. Singhania Memorial Chair. Shri Yadhupati Singhania contribution had been significant towards IIT Kanpur. We are thankful to the entire Singhania family for instituting this Chair for promoting excellence in engineering disciplines.”

The Chair, with a term of three years, would be occupied by faculty from the engineering departments of IIT-K who have distinguished themselves in teaching and have been recognized by their peers for their research. The Chair position will seek nominations/applications from Professors from all the Engineering Departments of IIT-K.A Selection Committee headed by the Dean of Faculty Affairs, IIT Kanpur will make the final selection in line with the guidelines of selection of Faculty Chairs at IIT Kanpur. The Committee will select a Professor based on the area of research that is most deserving and current. The appointment would be made for a maximum period of 3 years at a time. Once the chair is vacated, the Institute would consider inviting other suitable candidates.