India’s premier institution, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, inaugurated the Kotak School of Sustainability, marking the country’s first fully integrated institution dedicated to sustainability studies. In partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, the school will offer comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs aimed at cultivating skills across various sustainability themes. Emphasizing its commitment to eco-consciousness, the institute will be housed in an environmentally friendly platinum-rated building on IIT Kanpur’s main campus, employing net-zero practices concerning energy, water, and waste management, as outlined in an official statement.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, serving as the chief guest, highlighted that the school’s focus extends beyond technology and economics, encompassing the entirety of sustainability from A to Z. He emphasized its critical role in aiding India’s pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious announcement. Praising the initiative, the minister lauded the potential of the Kotak School of Sustainability in establishing global leadership in this field, drawing upon IIT Kanpur’s rich legacy and its alumni’s influential roles in organizations worldwide.
Notably, the Kotak School of Sustainability, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavor by Kotak Mahindra Bank, will be guided by esteemed professors and industry experts from diverse global backgrounds. Minister Pradhan commended Kotak Mahindra Bank for its contribution towards this noble cause, acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts between industry and government in advancing research and innovation, citing the establishment of the National Research Foundation as a pivotal step in this direction.
Director S Ganesh of IIT Kanpur emphasized the pressing need for collective action on sustainability, underscoring how various stakeholders must collaborate to address this global challenge. He highlighted the institute’s overarching objective of not only providing intellectual leadership but also formulating practical solutions to drive sustainable actions. The Kotak School of Sustainability seeks to prepare future generations to spearhead these endeavors, aligning with IIT Kanpur’s vision to lead the charge in this crucial area.