Tag: IIT Roorkee

IIT Roorkee Marks Republic Day with a Grand Celebration

Roorkee, January 27, 2024 – Following a vibrant Republic Day celebration, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) looks back at a memorable event that showcased unity, cultural diversity, and a deep appreciation for outstanding contributions within the institute.

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The day commenced with an assembly of students, faculty members, officers, and employees, setting the stage for a grand celebration. The arrival of the Director, marked by the resonant Kulgeet, initiated the proceedings, creating a sense of camaraderie and patriotic fervor. The solemnity of the occasion was further enhanced as the Director inspected the Guard of Honour, a symbolic gesture acknowledging the dedication and discipline of our institution’s defenders. Following this, the Director, with unwavering pride, hoisted the national flag, a momentous act that resonated with the spirit of unity and reverence for our nation’s sovereignty.

This Flag Unfurling ceremony served as a poignant reminder of our collective commitment to the ideals that our tricolor represents. The Director’s proud hoisting of the national flag was accompanied by the collective singing of the National Anthem, symbolizing our shared love for India. The proclamation of “Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind” further unified the gathering, reflecting a collective commitment to contribute to the nation’s progress. This Republic Day celebration was a poignant and inspiring occasion, highlighting the spirit of patriotism and unity at our esteemed institution.

Cultural performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School and the Cultural Society of IIT Roorkee added vibrancy to the event, demonstrating the rich tapestry of talents within the institute.

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A significant highlight was the recognition of exemplary contributions by officers, employees, and sports teams throughout 2023. Awards and commendation certificates were conferred to deserving individuals and teams, acknowledging their exceptional work. Notable mentions included winners of the 28th Inter IIT Staff Sports Meet-2023 and accolades for the Best Cleaned Bhawan and Best Cleaned Mess.

Prof. KK Pant, Director IIT Roorkee, greeted all for this historic day and addressed the gathering; he said, “Republic Day is a poignant reminder of India’s enduring spirit, unity, and progress. As we celebrate this historic day, let us reflect on the values that bind us together – democracy, diversity, and a shared vision for a brighter future. At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to nurturing the talents that will contribute to the nation’s growth, innovation, and global standing. On behalf of the institute, I extend heartfelt wishes to every Indian, urging us to continue working collaboratively towards a prosperous and harmonious India.”

The post-event ceremony also honored the winners of the quiz competition organized on Constitution Day, underlining IIT Roorkee’s commitment to academic excellence and fostering a spirit of inquiry.

The celebration, which was broadcast live on the official IIT Roorkee YouTube channel, allowed a wider audience to witness the institute’s commitment to tradition, excellence, and progress.

Reflecting on its rich history dating back to 1847, IIT Roorkee remains a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. With over 175 years of contributions to engineering, technology, and research, the institute continues to inspire generations and shape the future.

Prof. Ranjana Pathania of the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at IIT Roorkee

Prof. Ranjana Pathania of IIT Roorkee awarded Senior Fellowship, DBT-Welcome Trust India Alliance (2020-2021)

Roorkee: Prof. Ranjana Pathania of the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at IIT Roorkee has been awarded the Senior Fellowship of the DBT-Welcome Trust India Alliance (2020-2021). DBT- Welcome Trust is backed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and the Welcome Trust, United Kingdom. The charitable organisation aids advance study and innovation in biomedical, clinical, and public health research to strengthen India’s health infrastructure. This prestigious fellowship will sponsor Prof. Pathania’s cutting-edge research in understanding pathogenesis of an antibiotic resistant pathogen.

The key aim of Prof. Pathania’s research is to understand molecular mechanisms through which bacterial pathogens develop antibiotic resistance. The understanding of mechanisms of resistance will help in creating powerful strategies to discover novel antibacterial compounds. The major challenge for antibiotic drug discovery for years, despite in-depth study and heavy financial investment, has been the development of resistance in bacteria. It renders the novel antibiotics ineffective. Hence, through her research, she is trying to unriddle the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis in the recalcitrant bacterial pathogen- Acinetobacter baumannii. Once decoded, this information will lead to the discovery of better antibiotics in the long run.

Speaking about her research project, Prof. Pathania said, “A. baumannii is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia, urinary tract and wound infections across the globe. Due to its resistance level to the last-resort antibiotics, World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised A. baumannii as a highly critical pathogen. Hence, it is imperative to develop novel antibiotics against such pathogens. To develop novel therapeutics, it is important to understand the physiological processes involved in its success as a pathogen and overcome host response. This funding will help us in understanding these pathways and targeting them for drug discovery in future.”

“I am delighted that Prof Pathania has bagged this very competitive and coveted Senior Fellowship of DBT Welcome Trust India Alliance. It is a recognition that Prof Pathania’s research goals are based on a strong scientific foundation. The generous financial support provided by the Fellowship will enable her advance our current understanding of this critical problem.” said Professor Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director IIT Roorkee.

Prof. Pathania’s research so far has elucidated ribo-regulation and other molecular mechanisms involved in the success of A. baumannii as a multi-drug resistant pathogen. This fellowship will enable her to decipher the role of small RNAs in A. baumannii physiology and pathobiology. On the whole, she will work on three such processes central to nutrient uptake and utilization in this pathogen. These may constitute the “Achilles heel” of the pathogen and help design therapeutic strategies in the near future.