Building the Future: BITS Pilani’s Endowment Fund Grows with Alumni Support

BITS Pilani Receives Significant Contribution from UAE-Based Alumni Entrepreneurs

BITS Pilani has received a generous contribution from alumni couple Ravinder Kumar Bhat, from the 1978 batch, and Sumita Desarkar, from the 1981 batch. This contribution of $1 million brings their total commitment to the endowment to over $18 million. The funds will be allocated under the "Sumita Desarkar & Ravinder K. Bhat Fund for Institutional Development." The couple, who are serial entrepreneurs based in the UAE, continue to support the institution's growth and development.

This donation is part of the proposed $100 million BITS Pilani Endowment Fund, which aims to drive institutional growth and support innovation. Both the couple have spent two decades in the UAE and grow the business in various sectors, including construction, commodity trading, infrastructure, oil and gas equipment, and event management. They expressed the significant influence of BITS Pilani on their personal and professional lives and gave credit to the world-class educators, strong work ethic, and the valuable network that the institution developed and maintained.

This contribution honors the institute’s commendable work that laid the foundation for its careers, serving as a way to give back and enhance its legacy of excellence while creating new opportunities for future generations. Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, the Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting that the fund will significantly enhance efforts toward academic and infrastructural development and help the institute reach new heights.

Prof. Arya Kumar, the Dean of Alumni Relations, emphasized that this contribution reflects the enduring relationship between the alumni and the institute, highlighting their affection for the institution. The contribution of these alumni will be felt for many years to come as this fund will support the upgrading of laboratories, enhance infrastructure, boost research initiatives, and improve the overall educational experience for students across BITS Pilani’s campuses.

Editor's Note:

BITS Pilani has received a remarkable $1 million contribution from alumni couple Ravinder Kumar Bhat and Sumita Desarkar, significantly boosting their endowment fund to over $18 million. This generous donation not only honors the institute’s role in shaping their careers but also underscores the couple's commitment to supporting institutional growth and innovation. As part of the proposed $100 million BITS Pilani Endowment Fund, this contribution will play a crucial role in enhancing academic resources and overall student experiences. 

Skoobuzz appreciates the couple for their generous act, which highlights the strong bond between alumni and their institution.